3 Best Trade Destinations for Arizona Diamondbacks Slugger Eugenio Suarez
The Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star third baseman ranks in the 90th percentile of MLB in barrel percentage and 89th percentile in hard-hit percentage. That's given him a National League-high with both 36 home runs and 86 RBIs, while boasting a .598 slugging percentage. A steady presence at the hot corner, he's performed on playoff teams and can be a needle-mover for a contender.
Granted, part of the calculation in trading for Suarez is that he's a free agent after this season. Which teams could then use a potentially high-usage rental player? Here are three potential destinations: 3. New York Yankees
The Yankees are solidified at eight of the nine spots in their everyday order. Third base is the one spot where a definitive upgrade could make a difference, and that could lead to New York making a move for Suarez.
Jazz Chisholm played third base last year, but the Yankees have been a revolving door at the position this year, partially due to injury (e.g. Oswaldo Cabrera). Suarez represents a clear-cut answer for the Yankees at the hot corner for the rest of the year and gives them somebody with overwhelming power to hit around Aaron Judge, who's likely going to win his third American League MVP Award in four years.
While New York entered Wednesday's MLB action first in on-base percentage (.334), slugging percentage (.454) and home runs (160), having Judge, who has been hitting at a level unseen since peak Barry Bonds over the last four years, plays a role in it being top of the sport in several power categories. Suarez gives them another bat that does major damage and subsequently gives them a better chance to run down the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East. The Yankees could offer a trade package to the Diamondbacks centered around infielder Oswald Peraza and right-hander Chase Hampton, among other prospects, for Suarez.
So, why is a team that represented the AL in the 2024 World Series and has a need at third base not the No. 1 fit for Suarez? The answer is a question: how many times are the Yankees going to make a blockbuster trade for an impact player, let alone one that's a free agent at the end of the year after the quantity of pitchers it traded for Juan Soto (namely, Michael King and Randy Vasquez), in particular, blew up in their face?
Plus, how much would acquiring Suarez close the gap between the Yankees and the Detroit Tigers or Houston Astros in the AL? It's unrealistic to expect the Yankees to get back to the World Series in the wake of their starting rotation being ravaged by injuries (Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt). 2. Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee is on a roll and tied with the Chicago Cubs for first place in the National League Central at 60-41. A weakness? The Brewers entered Wednesday 24th in MLB in home runs (96), and that's the No. 1 area that Suarez would improve for their ballclub.
While Caleb Durbin has held his own at third base this season, the rookie infielder can also play second base and come off the bench throughout the rest of the season. Suarez would be an upgrade for the Brewers at third base, while becoming the most intimidating hitter in their order.
Moreover, Suarez would be a veteran offensive complement to a young positional core that's headlined by Jackson Chourio, William Contreras, Sal Frelick and Joey Ortiz. This is a franchise that prides itself on great pitching and great defense, but it has continually failed to win the NL pennant in recent memory due to its offense not having enough firepower. Suarez doesn't match the Brewers' offense up with the Los Angeles Dodgers or division-rival Cubs, but he certainly gives them a boost.
If you're going to consistently be a 90-plus-win team and not spend big money, why not make impact moves with the intention of making a championship push? The 2015 Kansas City Royals are the perfect example of embracing this philosophy, as they had a small window with a deep core, acquired a pair of All-Stars in ace Johnny Cueto and infielder Ben Zobrist and went on to win the World Series that year. Even though Kansas City lost both players to free agency in the ensuing offseason, winning the title made it all worth it.
Milwaukee could center a Suarez trade package around one of infielders Mike Boeve and Luke Adams and 2024 second-rounder Bryce Meccage. The only factor that could stop the Brewers from pursuing a trade for Suarez, though, is them potentially feeling that if they're going to step out of their comfort zone and make a trade for an impact bat (the last time the Brewers traded for an All-Star-caliber hitter was Willy Adames in 2021), it should be for a player who's under contract for the foreseeable future. 1. Seattle Mariners
Seattle traded Suarez to Arizona in the 2023-24 MLB offseason, and it would greatly benefit from his return.
Since making the playoffs in 2022 and even dating back to the 2021 season, the Mariners have been competitive enough to be in the wild-card mix until the cows come home, but rarely is it enough for them to actually crack the October spectacle, let alone win the AL West. The No. 1 reason for their shortcomings is consistently a lack of offense. This season, Seattle's lineup has been respectable, but it needs more to contend.
Suarez would take over at third base for Seattle, where he started for the Mariners from 2022-23. Furthermore, he'd give the heart of the Mariners' order a second hitter who does considerable damage, taking pressure off Cal Raleigh to play hero. Rookie Ben Williamson has been respectable at third base, but the Mariners can't expect to get to the playoffs and then make noise relying on internal growth. They need to make a splash and get proven, impact hitters like Suarez.
And if Julio Rodriguez gets hot late in the season or, say, J.P. Crawford or Dylan Moore starts to slug with more frequency, then Seattle has an even more balanced offense and arguably its best attack since 2022. Of course, this would complement a rotation that's arguably the best in the AL, one that includes Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo and more.
Seattle could base a trade offer for Suarez around a combination of its young pitchers, including two or more of Brandyn Garcia, Michael Morales, Teddy McGraw and Ahston Izzi. The Mariners are 54-47, a current wild-card team and five games behind the Astros for first place in the AL West. If now isn't the time to make a push, then when is?
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Brown will still have access to the same top-line talent with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart all back, but the additions of Clarkson and Yabusele could allow the Knicks to give their top five more of a breather and let their subs carry a little more of the weight, which could pay off in the long run. Additions: G Desmond Bane (trade), G Tyus Jones (FA), G Jase Richardson (draft), F Noah Penda (draft) Departures: G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (trade), G Cole Anthony (trade), Gary Harris (FA), Corey Joseph (FA), Caleb Houstan (FA) Outlook: The Magic won 22 of their first 38 games despite injuries to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner but won just 19 of their last 44 to finish seventh in the East. Injuries to Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner helped keep them down but so did their offense. The Magic finished second in the NBA in defensive rating but 27th in offensive rating, 28th in scoring, 27th in field goal percentage and 30th in 3-point field goal percentage. They desperately needed perimeter scoring and outside shooting in particular so they got it in Richmond, Indiana's Desmond Bane, who has averaged 20.2 points per game with Memphis over the past four seasons and has made 41% of his career 3-pointers at relatively high volume. He's averaging 2.6 3-pointers per game for his career and has made at least 117 in each of his five seasons. A starting five that includes Suggs, Bane, Franz Wagner and Banchero should give the Magic enough firepower to make a leap and they don't lose much from one of the NBA's best defenses. They were a 5 seed in 2023-24 before losing to the Cavs in a seven-game first-round series and they might be a real contender to win the East now. Additions: SG Caris LeVert (FA), SF Duncan Robinson (trade), SG Chaz Lanier (draft) Departures: Tim Hardaway Jr. (FA), Simone Fontecchio (trade), Dennis Schroeder (FA), Malik Beasley (investigation) Outlook: No team in the NBA made a bigger leap in 2024-25 than the Pistons, who saw years of top draft picks finally grow into a cohesive unit under J.B. Bickerstaff, who went to Detroit after being fired in Cleveland. With an edge befitting the franchise that produced the Bad Boys of the late 80s, the Pistons followed a 14-68 season in 2023-24 with a 44-38 season and their first trip to the playoffs in six years. They lost to the Knicks in six games, but it was arguably the most thrilling series in the first round. The playoff experience should do wonders for the Pistons' young core of Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson and Jaden Ivey, though Ivey broke his leg on Jan. 1 and missed the rest of the season. The Pistons lost some of the veteran pieces they added to take a leap but added others with Duncan Robinson giving them a sharpshooter and Caris LeVert giving them an off-the-bench scoring guard. If some of the other powers fall, they should have a chance to make another move up. Additions: C Myles Turner (FA), G Gary Harris (FA), G Cole Anthony (FA), F Bogoljub Markovic (draft), G Mark Sears (FA) Departures: G Damian Lillard (waived), G Pat Connaughton (trade), C Brook Lopez (FA) Outlook: The Bucks still have the best player in the Eastern Conference and one of the top three in the world in Giannis Antetokounmpo and they made the most surprising, splashy free agent signing by bringing in Myles Turner. However, so many of the issues with the roster remain unsolved. As bold as it was to waive and stretch Lillard to steal Turner from under the Pacers' noses after Lillard tore his Achilles tendon during the Bucks' playoff loss to the Pacers, that's still a seven-time All-NBA guard who they lost and haven't replaced. In Turner they get a very similar player to Brook Lopez only seven years younger and his 3-point shooting and shot blocking should make him a great complement to Antetokounmpo. However, that only does so much to make up for the production they lose with Lillard. At the moment, their point guard options include Cole Anthony, Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins and they don't have a star at shooting guard or small forward either. Acquiring Kyle Kuzma for Khris Middleton at the deadline ended up being a downgrade. They still have sharpshooters Gary Trent Jr. and A.J. Green and long-armed defender Taurean Prince, but they don't have anyone approximating a lead guard. Antetokounmpo can obviously bring up the floor and the Bucks have to be considered a contender as long as he's on the roster. The Greek Freak may still be the most physically dominant, unstoppable force in the NBA. But making a title push could require more in the backcourt. Additions: C Kristaps Porzings (trade), G Nickeil Alexander-Walker (trade), G Luke Kennard (FA), F Nikola Djurisic (FA), F Asa Newell (draft), G Keaton Wallace (FA), F Jacob Toppin (FA) Departures: C Clint Capela (FA), G Caris LeVert (FA), G Terrance Mann (trade), F Georges Niang (trade), F Larry Nance Jr. (FA), G Garrison Matthews (FA) Outlook: The Hawks had one of the most active offseasons in the East and possibly one of the best. Porzingis gives them a veteran upgrade at the 5, and though he's obviously struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons, he's an inside-outside force when he is. Alexander-Walker gives them another excellent two-way wing to go with Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson, who returns after a torn labrum in his left shoulder derailed what could have been an All-NBA season. Kennard is one of the league's most reliable sharpshooters, making 43.8% of his career 3s and 903 in his eight-year career. Onyeka Okongwu gives them another long athletic frontcourt presence and 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher made some big leaps in Year 1. Trae Young still gives them one of the East's most prolific point guards. This prediction is a conservative one for the Hawks as they could make a sizable leap if all of their young players develop quickly. Additions: C Jay Huff (trade), C James Wiseman (FA), G Kam Jones (draft), G Taelon Peter (draft) Departures: C Myles Turner (FA), C Thomas Bryant (FA) Outlook: Since Haliburton's injury and Turner's departure, the Pacers have defiantly declared through numerous channels they shouldn't be counted out. That's more than fair considering how fast they rose from being a lottery team in 2021-22 and 2022-23 to the NBA Finals in 2024-25. A collection of players that was in same way, shape or form passed over or disregarded stunned the basketball world to make their first Finals in 25 years and they might have claimed a title if their best player wasn't injured in the first quarter of Game 7. They will still have three starters — guard Andrew Nembhard and forwards Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam — from that team as well as most of the key bench pieces and the coaching staff led by Rick Carlisle that put it all together. There's more than enough talent and determination for them to be competitive. Still, as wide open as the East is, it's still strong enough that it will be extremely difficult for the Pacers to hold their position. Nembhard will have to run the offense and guard the best players in the world. Siakam will get much more defensive attention with Haliburton injured and Turner gone. The constant pace and ball movement orchestrated by Haliburton will be tough to replicate without him. The addition of Jay Huff and the returns of Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman could allow the Pacers to make up for a lot of what they lost in Turner in terms of production, but not what he brought as a standard-bearer. The Pacers should be able to hold down the fort well enough to get back to the playoffs and return to title contention when Haliburton returns in 2026-27. But they certainly won't be East favorites as they would have been if Haliburton was healthy. Additions: G Anfernee Simons (trade), F Georges Niang (trade), C Luka Garza (FA), F Josh Minott (FA) F Hugo Gonzalez (draft), C Amari Williams (draft), G Max Shulga (draft) Departures: G Jrue Holiday (trade), C Kristaps Porzingis (trade), C Luke Kornet (FA), C Al Horford (FA), F Torrey Craig (FA) Outlook: The Celtics might be the only better example than the Pacers of how fast life can come at you in the NBA under the new collective bargaining agreement. A year ago they were celebrating their record 18th NBA championship. For most of this season, they were among the favorites to win another. However, they took a surprising loss to the Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals and during that series, lost Tatum for the following year, and found it impossible to justify staying above the second apron to keep together the group that won the title. They moved on from Porzingis and Holiday, who were slated to make a combined $62 million this season and let centers Luke Kornet and Al Horford walk. They did, however, add a promising young scorer in Simons who they could still move for another asset or keep and in Niang they add another talented outside shooter on the bench. They still have an All-NBA wing and the 2024 NBA Finals MVP in Jaylen Brown, a top-line two-way point guard in Derrick White and a boatload of shooters including Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser. They aren't the juggernaut they were the past two seasons and they'll have to hold on for dear life without Tatum for a year, but they still have enough pieces to be a playoff team. 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Edgecombe (draft), F Johni Broome (draft), G Hunter Sallis (FA), F Jabari Walker (FA), F Dominick Barlow (FA) Departures: G Jared Butler (FA), F Guerschon Yabusele (FA), Lonnie Walker IV (FA) Outlook: The 76ers hoped putting together a new Big 3 would make them title contenders as they added Paul George to the mix with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. However Embiid played just 19 games, George played just 41 and Maxey played 52 and they played very few games as a trio. There were injuries beyond those three and the Sixers finished 24-58. The Sixers are hoping 2025-26 turns out better, but George has already had arthroscopic knee surgery this offseason and Embiid has been dealing with continual injuries for years. The Sixers struggles helped them add talent in Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick, but Embiid, George and Maxey are due about $145 million combined. As long as those three are on the books, the Sixers won't be able to add much else so they need those guys on the floor to dig out of the lottery. Additions: G Collin Sexton (trade), G Spencer Dinwiddie (FA), C Mason Plumlee (FA), G Pat Connaughton (trade), G Kon Knueppel (draft), G Liam McNeely (draft), F Sion James (draft), C Ryan Kalkbrenner (draft) Departures: G Josh Okogie (waived), C Jusuf Nurkic (trade), C Mark Williams (trade), G Seth Curry (FA), C Taj Gibson (FA) Outlook: Of the teams in the East that have spent recent years stuck in the lottery, the Hornets seemed most primed to work their way out. They put together and impressive draft and the players they brought in led the Hornets to an NBA Summer League title with Kon Knueppel, Liam McNeely and and Ryan Kalkbrenner putting together particularly impressive work. The additions of Sexton and Dinwiddie, bring more scorers to the backcourt to pair with the talented but often injured LaMelo Ball. Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges give them two bigger wings who can score. Kalkbrenner and Plumlee as their options at the 5 might not work immediately but they have reason to believe in Kalkbrenner long-term. The Hornets shouldn't be too far removed from at least being a play-in team and they could become one this year. Additions: C Sandro Mamukelashvili (FA), F Collin Murray-Boyles (draft), G Alijah Martin (draft), G Chucky Hepburn (FA) Departures: F Chris Boucher (FA), G Jared Rhoden (waived) Outlook: The Raptors keep leaning into building a team on big wings and if they were all healthy it might actually pay off. They acquired Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline knowing he'd miss the rest of the season, but now they can add him to a group that already includes Scottie Barnes, R.J. Barrett, Ochai Agbaji and Gradey Dick, and just for good measure they added Collin Murray-Bowles. They invested in keeping Jakob Poeltl at center. However, they're leaning on Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead at point guard and that hasn't paid off yet. Still, It's not out the question with length, toughness and better health, the Raptors can turn themselves into a play-in contender again. Additions: G Michael Porter Jr. (trade), F Terance Mann (trade), F Drake Powell (trade), G Egor Demin (draft), G Ben Saraf (draft), F Danny Wolf (draft), G Nolan Traore (draft) Departures: F Cam Johnson (trade), F Maxwell Lewis (waived), G D'Angelo Russell (FA), G De'Anthony Melton (FA). F Trendon Watford (FA) Outlook: The Nets remain deep in a rebuilding project having had to blow everything up when the Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving-James Harden partnership came to its end. They made some moves and still have more to make to get younger and cheaper. They still have the most cap room available of any team and they had four first-round draft picks, taking Demin, Traore, Saraf and Wolf, a talented collection. They finally moved one of their most sought after trade pieces in Cam Johnson, sending him to a Denver team he fits exceptionally well. For him they acquired a sharpshooter with championship experience in Michael Porter Jr., who will likely be asked to carry the team in scoring, especially if they don't come to an agreement with Cam Thomas with whom they're still negotiating in restricted free agency. The Nets should have some moments when they're dangerous and it should be easier than it has been in recent years to see their long-term plan starting to take effect, but it's probably best for them long-term to spend another year in the lottery. Additions: G C.J. McCollum (trade), F Cam Whitmore (trade), C Kelly Olynyk (trade), G Malakhi Brahnham (trade), F Dillon Jones (trade), G Tre Johnson (draft), F WIll Riley (draft), G Jamir Watkins (draft) Departures: G Jordan Poole (trade), F Saadiq Bey (trade), C Richaun Holmes (waived), G Marcus Smart (waived) Outlook: The Wizards have nine players on the roster who are 22 or under, so obviously their competitive days are still in the distance. With C.J. McCollum, Khris Middleton and Corey Kispert they do have some veterans that can put out a competent product while they wait for the young players to mature. Branham and Whitmore could turn out to be valuable pieces in the long-term rebuild as wings with scoring potential. Their top draft picks in recent years — Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly and Bub Carrington among them — have shown good signs and in Tre Johnson, they add a 6-6 guard who led the SEC in scoring as a freshman at Texas. The Wizards will almost certainly be a lottery team again but they could be more entertaining to watch this year.
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Which Giants will make the cut? Here's our 53-man roster projection after Week 1 of camp
EAST RUTHERFORD − The New York Giants are jockeying for position at the many levels of the depth chart and training camp has only begun. Full pads are set to go on Monday morning in the Giants' fifth practice of the summer, and this represents an opportunity for many to drastically change perspective in the battle for jobs [and playing time]. Here is a position-by-position analysis of where the Giants stand with the chase for spots on the 53-man roster just heating up through a week of camp: OFFENSE (26) Quarterback (3) Russell Wilson Jameis Winston Jaxson Dart Breakdown: Nothing has changed here with Wilson the clear QB1. Dart has gotten most of the second-team reps, while Winston has made the most of his with solid play as well as demanding the standard be just as high for players who might be fighting for spots not on the active roster, but the practice squad. His presence as noticeable. Tommy DeVito has had limited chances, but he has looked good with those reps. He's likely still staring at a practice squad offer or heading elsewhere unless there is a significant injury. Running back (3) Tyrone Tracy Devin Singletary Cam Skattebo Breakdown: Tracy is the lead back and looks good. Will be interesting to see him when the run game starts getting work. Skattebo has been fantastic as a receiver, catching every pass thrown his way while working with the second and third teams. Singletary is solid and his reliability in pass protection is a plus. Turbo Miller has had a strong start to camp and will be fighting to force the Giants to keep four backs. His burst jumps out. Can he carve out a role on special teams and lock down a roster spot? Wide receiver (6) Malik Nabers Darius Slayton Wan'Dale Robinson Jalin Hyatt Ihmir Smith-Marsette Beaux Collins Breakdown: Special teams ace Bryce Ford-Wheaton had an inside track to a spot from this position until he tore his Achilles in Sunday's practice. It's a crushing blow for a third-year player who has shown flashes, but has been hit by bad injury luck in each of his three seasons. That potentially opens the door for another receiver. Undrafted rookie Beaux Collins has stood out with chances on the first and second teams with Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston, so he gets the early nod. Dalen Cambre is another UDFA rookie who could have a path to replace Ford-Wheaton because of his special teams prowess in college at Louisiana. Another option: free agent Gabe Davis did visit the team in May and has strong bonds with Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. Smith-Marsette has done well with his opportunities on offense and he is the kick returner. Tight end (4) Theo Johnson Chris Manhertz Daniel Bellinger Thomas Fidone Breakdown: I kept four tight ends here, but as expected, this could be a position that gives up a spot depending on a numbers' crunch elsewhere. A fifth in Greg Dulcich has had a strong start to camp. Bellinger and Manhertz have been relatively quiet, so it'll be interesting to see the physicality they can bring with the pads going on. Offensive line (10) LT Andrew Thomas LG Jon Runyan Jr. C John Michael Schmitz RG Greg Van Roten RT Jermaine Eluemunor T James Hudson T/G Marcus Mbow G Evan Neal G Jake Kubas G/T Joshua Ezeudu Breakdown: Thomas has started camp on the PUP list and he can be activated at any time, but don't expect the Giants to rush him. He's working with the training staff to make sure he's ready on road back from Lisfranc surgery. Rookie fifth rounder Marcus Mbow has emerged at left and right tackle with the second and third teams, and while James Hudson has been at left tackle with the 1s, if for some reason Thomas' return is slower than anticipated, it's possible Mbow gets even more of a look. John Michael Schmitz had a tough first week and needs to step up when the physicality increases. It's going to be interesting to watch Evan Neal at guard when the pads go on. DEFENSE (24) Defensive line (5) Dexter Lawrence Rakeem Nunez-Roches Roy Robertson-Harris Darius Alexander Elijah Chatman Breakdown: Nunez-Roches is going to get pushed by younger players such as Elijah Garcia, who has had a strong start to camp. Chatman gets the fifth spot for now, but the Giants have depth here and it'll be a roller coaster for all those competing for a spot here. All depends on the combinations, and don't forget Abdul Carter and Chauncey Golston can also play inside in rush packages. Edge (4) Brian Burns Kayvon Thibodeaux Abdul Carter Chauncey Golston Breakdown: Carter has been as advertised - maybe even better so early. Burns is so underrated and such a presence on this team. His production should catch up to that perception. Thibodeaux is off to a strong start as well. Golston rounds out this quartet and he's had his moments, too. Free agent signee Victor Dimukeje was injured while training away from the team, tearing his pectoral and landing on the PUP list to start camp. Inside linebacker (5) Bobby Okereke Micah McFadden Chris Board Darius Muasau Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles Breakdown: Okereke and McFadden are mainstays in the middle. Board and Muasau are core special teams players. Flanningan-Fowles is an addition from our initial projection; he's also a contributor on special teams. Cornerback (6) Paulson Adebo Tae Banks Dru Phillips Cor'Dale Flott Tre Hawkins III Korie Black Breakdown: Banks and Flott are battling for the starting job opposite Adebo, and so far, Flott appears to have the upper hand. It's early, however. Phillips is a potential game-changer at nickel. Nic Jones had a Pick 6 of Jaxson Dart on Day 1 and he's been pushing for bigger chances as Phillips' backup. He could threaten for a role, which could put Hawkins or Black in jeopardy if that continues. Safety (4) Jevon Holland Tyler Nubin Dane Belton K'Von Wallace Breakdown: The top of this position is set with Holland and Nubin. Both have made plays and gives the Giants their best safety tandem since Super Bowl XLVI with Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips. Belton has had a quiet start to camp after such a loud spring as a takeaway machine. Wallace was signed on the eve of camp, so he's working his way up the depth chart. Specialists (3) K Graham Gano P Jamie Gillan LS Casey Kreiter Breakdown: No reason to think anything has changed here. Jude McAtamney is still on track to be a second kicker on the practice squad as part of the International Pathway Program. This article originally appeared on NY Giants roster projection: Our prediction after Week 1 of camp
