Mariners' Eugenio Suarez receives $100 million contract update from ESPN

Matt Sullivan

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Mariners' Eugenio Suarez receives $100 million contract update from ESPN image

The Seattle Mariners have already made one big splash this offseason, bringing back Josh Naylor on a five-year, $92.5 million deal.

It's a massive deal for the free agent trade deadline pickup, and he might not be the only one in line for a huge contract given out to a Mariners trade deadline pickup this offseason.

Eugenio Suarez, also acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks, received a free agent contract update from ESPN's Jeff Passan. The two-time All-Star's contract update is an interesting one, as he's slated to earn a solid payday, though one below $100 million.

Mariners' Eugenio Suarez receives $100 million contract update from ESPN's Jeff Passan

"Want a home run hitter who won't cost nine figures? This is your guy." Passan wrote about Suarez. "... He's likely to wind up on a short-term, high-dollar deal for a team that needs a third baseman."

Passan's update for Suarez is a clear one: the Mariners third baseman won't land a deal of $100 million total. But that isn't to say he won't land a strong contract.

Instead of a long-term deal reaching $100 million, Suarez could land a short-term deal, 2-3 years, at an average annual value of $30 million.

At 34 years old, most teams won't want to sign the power-hitting third baseman to more than a three-year deal. With his lower years, Suarez will instead seek a higher per-year rate.

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Kyle Schwarber, the top power hitter on the open market, is projected to land a deal of at least $30 million per year. He's only one year younger than Suarez, but has shown more consistent power numbers.

Suarez is coming off his best season in years, hitting 49 home runs, 118 RBIs, and finishing with an.824 OPS in 159 games played.

Those are strong numbers, and something teams are willing to invest in. But, as Passan highlights, his upcoming contract isn't expected to be north of $100 million.

It's still likely to be a high AAV, but for Suarez, it's more likely a short-term deal than a longer-term one like Schwarber is projected to get.

The Mariners have the opportunity to bring him back, and after re-signing Naylor, the Mariners have shown they're willing to spend this winter after an ALCS appearance.

If Seattle does re-sign Suarez to be their third baseman, it will be for under $100 million total, even if the AAV is still high.

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