The Arizona Diamondbacks fell short of a World Series title during the 2023 Major League Baseball season. But with the 2024 season still four months away, the defending National League champions are already gearing up for next year by trading for third baseman Eugenio "Geno" Suarez.
With Arizona acquiring Suarez’s services, the Seattle Mariners reliever Carlos Vargas and catcher Seby Zavala. While the Diamondbacks had more hits than the Texas Rangers during the last World Series, they couldn’t translate them into runs, especially in the title-clinching Game 5, wherein the Texas Rangers won 5-0.
Driving in runs is Suarez’s specialty after tallying 96 runs batted in last season. He also had 22 home runs and 139 hits in 694 plate appearances. He also led the American League in sacrifice flies the previous season with 11. Unfortunately, he was also AL’s strikeout leader last season with 214.
But as Codify pointed out, only four MLB players with more home runs than Suarez since 2018: Aaron Judge, Pete Alonso, Matt Olson, and Kyle Schwarber. He has collected 182 home runs in six seasons, including 49 in 2019.
The only big leaguers with more homers than Eugenio Suárez since 2018 are Matt Olson, Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber, and Pete Alonso. https://t.co/VL3Rj32SXN
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) November 22, 2023
Getting traded to the Diamondbacks ends his two-season stint with the Seattle Mariners. He joined the American League West squad after the Cincinnati Reds traded him and Jesse Winker for Justin Dunn, Brandon Williamson, Jake Fraley, and Connor Phillips.
That unpopular trade among Reds fans ended Suarez’s seven-season stint in Cincinnati. Before joining the Reds, the Venezuela native suited for the Detroit Tigers. He became an All-Star for the Reds in 2018 and has twice received votes for National League Most Valuable Player.
Aside from his hitting prowess, Suarez bolsters Arizona’s infield defense, featuring Geraldo Perdomo, Christian Walker, and Ketel Marte.
-Lance Fernandez