With the Boston Red Sox missing out on re-signing Alex Bregman, and signing either one of the star NPB corner infielders in Munetaka Murakami or Kazuma Okamoto, they now don’t have a third baseman. Of course, Marcelo Mayer can play third, but if they wanted to move him to second, they still need a replacement.
For Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, the most realistic option is to sign two-time All-Star Eugenio Suarez. It’s either him, or Mayer at third and trading for a second baseman.
“Heading into the offseason, we expected the Red Sox to either re-sign Alex Bregman or land one of the two NPB imports (Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto) to shore up their third base situation. At this point, however, it's looking like 3B Eugenio Suárez or bust as far as free agency options go. Even on the trade front, Nolan Arenado is off the board after Tuesday's swap between the Cardinals and Diamondbacks. (Maybe Boston just lets it ride with Marcelo Mayer?)” Miller wrote.
This past season, Suarez fell apart near the end, but still finished slashing.228/.298/.526/.824 with 28 doubles, 49 home runs, and 118 RBI in 159 games. He would be leagues ahead of anyone on the Sox in terms of power, and could breathe some life into their offense.
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Plus, he’d be cheap, and for a team like the Sox, that’s eyebrow-raising. He’s projected to receive a two-year, $29 million deal. If the Sox can shave that down to one year and a club option, they may be all over it.
This could be an underrated signing by Boston. Maybe playing in a hitter-friendly park like Fenway lets Suarez bounce back, and then the Sox can pick up the option for another year. If he doesn’t, they cut him loose after one. Either way, it’s a win-win.
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