The free agent market for Eugenio Suarez may be about to heat up.
He's the best bat remaining out there now that Cody Bellinger has signed with the New York Yankees.
And maybe more importantly, the big four free agent hitters are all under contract now, also including Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman.
If someone wants to make a splash with a bat, Suarez is the best option.
He's coming off a season with 49 home runs. He hit the first 36 before the trade deadline with the Arizona Diamondbacks, then hit 13 more once the Seattle Mariners got him in a deal.
"It usually helps when the big contracts are done for the next tiers of free agency to get going," Cincinnati TV man Charlie Goldsmith wrote on X.
Suarez tops that next tier of bats.
MORE: How Trent Grisham's decision ruined the Yankees' offseason plans
Seattle could likely use him back if the price is right. The Mariners could use top prospect Colt Emerson at third base, or proven defensive option Ben Williamson. But if they want a natural third baseman who also can swing it, Suarez is the guy.
Other than the Mariners, it's not totally clear where Suarez could go. A lot of his suitors might be teams more on the fringes of contention, like the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Suarez could consider a slight discount to come back to a place he's comfortable, Seattle, and play for a team that is set up for a winning season.
Or he could take a shot on a lesser club in the hopes of helping to lift it up.
Either way, it seems his contract may be next up to get figured out now that he's the best bat left.
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