Imagine the Mariners reigniting that infectious energy by welcoming back a player whose mantra of 'good vibes only' turned a struggling lineup into a playoff contender—could Eugenio Suarez be the key to Seattle's next chapter?
It’s a strategy that paid off spectacularly, not once, but twice. In fact, the Seattle Mariners are seriously pondering the idea of adding the charismatic, slugging Eugenio Suarez to their roster once more, slotting him into a lineup that's proven it can accommodate him seamlessly.
Yes, for a THIRD time around.
The Suarez saga with MLB's Seattle chapter kicked off back in 2021, when the Mariners plucked Geno from the Cincinnati Reds' roster, along with the solid left-handed hitter Jesse Winker. In exchange, the Reds received prospects like Justin Dunn, Brandon Williamson, and Jake Fraley—young talents full of potential.
Reflecting on that deal, the Mariners appeared ready to overlook Suarez's high number of strikeouts and his reported defensive challenges at shortstop and third base, all while gaining Winker's disciplined, professional style as the No. 3 hitter in their refreshed batting order.
And here's where it gets controversial: The trade turned out to be a home run, but in a completely unexpected way.
Winker showed up in Seattle mired in a prolonged slump, often seeming more interested in collecting his pay than delivering on the field. Suarez, on the other hand, arrived with his hair boldly dyed half-black and half-white at his daughter's behest, accompanied by his relentless, upbeat chant of 'Good vibes only!'
That positivity quickly made Geno one of the team's fan favorites. Sure, he led the American League in strikeouts, but he displayed surprising agility at third base. As manager Scott Servais put it, 'With everything on the line, he's the hitter I'd want at the plate.'
Despite the positive energy and the Mariners clinching a playoff spot for the first time in 2022, the organization stunned their loyal supporters by shipping Suarez off to the Arizona Diamondbacks ahead of the 2024 season.
This was essentially a salary dump—a move where a team trades away a player primarily to shed salary costs, even if it's not a huge amount. In this case, it was just $11 million, which sounds like pocket change in today's MLB spending world, but it freed up funds through 2025 and left a gaping void in the infield.
The Mariners' own players were reportedly dismayed by the decision, losing not only Suarez's potent bat but also his role as a unifying force in the clubhouse. Over the following two seasons, Seattle cycled through various third basemen, and none managed to secure a consistent spot in the starting lineup.
You could see Act II unfolding from a mile away.
Last fall, the Mariners were on a determined push toward the postseason and had specific gaps to fill in their roster. Moreover, they were open to investing some serious cash. They secured Josh Naylor with a lucrative long-term contract and began scouting for additional offensive firepower.
Their top choice, incumbent Jorge Polanco, ended up signing a big deal with the Mets. Option No. 2 seems to be Arizona's second baseman Ketel Marte, but that would involve committing to a player entering his late 30s, requiring a mix of substantial funds and perhaps a top pitcher in the trade.
Ouch—that's a steep price.
Of course, the market offers a variety of hitters with diverse skills and price points. Take, for example, the St. Louis Cardinals' 29-year-old second baseman Brendan Donovan, who could integrate well with the Mariners in multiple ways. Remember, Seattle still has flexibility with their designated hitter role—ideal for platoon situations—and they've recently acquired Rob Refsnyder from Boston, who brings some pop and a strong ability to hit left-handed pitching.
But here's the part most people miss: Is Refsnyder's value as a part-time player greater than Suarez's versatility, allowing him to play infield spots until Seattle's young prospects like Colt Emerson prove they can dominate major-league pitching?
Speaking of Emerson, the Mariners are eagerly awaiting his rise. He's widely regarded as a lock to make the big leagues and could potentially claim an everyday position sooner than anticipated. If that happens, it would resolve many roster questions in one go.
Meanwhile, Suarez might be as formidable as ever—think of him as the hero who smashed a grand slam to secure the ALDS last October. The Mariners are juggling numerous pieces: players of varying skills, ages, and costs. Yet, Suarez stands out as a relatively predictable asset.
After all, 'Good vibes only!'
What do you think, fans? Should the Mariners prioritize re-signing a proven clubhouse leader like Suarez over betting on unproven prospects or other free agents? Is the team's past willingness to trade him a mistake they shouldn't repeat? Share your opinions in the comments—we'd love to hear if you agree or disagree with bringing back those good vibes for round three!
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Steve Cameron’s “Cheap Seats” columns appear in The Press three times each week, normally Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday unless, you know, stuff happens.
Steve suggests you take his opinions in the spirit of a Jimmy Buffett song: “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On.”
