With the Chicago Cubs trading for Edward Cabrera, the NL Central needs to make their own moves as counters if they want to contend. The Pittsburgh Pirates are no different and need to make one more move to complete their already hectic offseason.
Fansided’s Christopher Kline believes the Pirates could counter the Cubs’ pitching upgrade with a hitting upgrade and sign two-time All-Star slugger Eugenio Suarez.
“There’s no telling if Suárez falls closer to his pre-deadline production or his post-deadline production (.682 OPS), but the Pittsburgh Pirates are a softish landing spot. There are more expectations than usual around this Buccos squad after a productive offseason; Suárez would be joining Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum and Ryan O’Hearn in a revamped Pittsburgh lineup…Suárez fits squarely in their budget and could deliver results far exceeding his payment, if the first half of last season was any indicator,” Kline wrote.
This past season, Suarez slashed.228/.298/.526/.824 with 28 doubles, 49 home runs, and 118 RBI in 159 games played. While he had trouble with contact, if he got a hit, it was basically a guaranteed XBH or homer with RBI attached.
Also, Suarez would definitely be in the Pirates’ price range. He’s projected to receive a two-year, $29 million deal, and for a smaller market like Pittsburgh, that works perfectly for them.
Hopefully, the Pirates make this their final move and finish with an offseason that shows that they are ready to contend.
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