MLB trade rumors: Pittsburgh Pirates could sign $66 million ex-Cincinnati Reds star to bolster rotation a
Pittsburgh Pirates’ Paul Skenes (Image via Getty) The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking for a clear fix to a problem that has lingered for years: a lack of power in the middle of the lineup. After finishing last in home runs in 2025, the front office is exploring options that can make an immediate difference. One name drawing steady interest is Eugenio Suarez, a free-agent third baseman coming off one of the most productive power seasons in baseball.Pittsburgh has already added Ryan O’Hearn and traded for Brandon Lowe, but third base remains unsettled. Suarez’s free agency gives the Pirates a chance to add a proven power hitter without giving up prospects right away, something that fits their current approach as they try to stay competitive while managing payroll.
Why Eugenio Suarez Is on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Radar
The interest in Pittsburgh Pirates is driven by numbers. The team hit just 117 home runs in 2025 and ranked near the bottom in slugging and isolated power. Eugenio Suarez directly addresses that weakness. He hit 49 home runs and drove in 118 runs, finishing among the league leaders in both categories, even with a .228 batting average.Suarez is 34, listed at 5-foot-11 and 213 pounds, and brings experience to a young roster. His power has also translated well at PNC Park, where he owns an .882 OPS over 65 career games.
A Sign-and-Trade Scenario That Makes Sense
Eugenio Suarez when he was in Seattle Mariners (Image via Getty)
Rather than a straight signing, one idea being discussed is a sign-and-trade. Pittsburgh could sign Suarez to a projected three-year, $63 million deal, then move him to the Seattle Mariners for prospects or a controllable arm such as Emerson Hancock. Seattle’s familiarity with Suarez lowers the risk, while the Pirates could shift Jared Triolo or Nick Gonzales to shortstop to balance the roster.
What Each Side Gets
PartyKey Gains Pirates Power bat fixes last-ranked slugging (.350) and ISO (.119); veteran presence for young players like Paul Skenes Mariners Proven power hitter added quickly without a long-term commitment Suárez Everyday role with lineup protection from Bryan Reynolds and Ryan O’Hearn
Eugenio Suarez’s 2025 Production in Context
Eugenio Suarez’s season was built on power, with strikeouts remaining part of the profile.PeriodABHRRBIAVGOBPSLGOPS Pre-Deadline (ARI) ~497 39 ~100 .250+ .320+ .600+ .900+ Post-Deadline (SEA) ~91 10 18 .220 .305 .593 .898 Full 2025 588 49 118 .228 .298 .526 .824
Weighing the Risk
There are concerns. Suarez strikes out often, offers limited on-base value, and his defense at third base is not a strength. A $21 million annual salary would also push Pittsburgh Pirates closer to its projected $125 million payroll unless another contract is moved.Also read: MLB trade rumors: Philadelphia Phillies could bag $6.7 million Minnesota Twins veteran catcher to replace JT RealmutoStill, the Pirates need offense, and Suarez provides it in bulk. For a team trying to move out of the league’s bottom tier, this is a direct solution to a clear problem.
