The New York Yankees have displayed impressive power to start the 2025 season, hitting a league-leading 26 home runs in the first 12 games. Contributions are coming from nearly everyone in the lineup, even with Giancarlo Stanton still sidelined.
Despite the strong start, the Yankees have a gap at third base, with Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza sharing most of the responsibilities there. To achieve better lineup balance, they may need to add another right-handed bat, as the current roster is heavily reliant on left-handed hitters.
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller has suggested that the Yankees target Arizona Diamondbacks’ slugger and veteran third baseman Eugenio Suárez via trade. He also listed St. Louis Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado and Tampa Bay Rays’ Yandy Díaz as possible alternatives.
Miller pointed out that the Yankees might have had an “Arenado or bust” mindset over the winter, although they were never seriously pursuing the 10-time Gold Glove winner. While re-engagement on a deal could still be possible, it seems unlikely given recent developments.
Suárez, on the other hand, seems like a more realistic target. The Diamondbacks’ third baseman, now in his 12th MLB season, offers significant right-handed power and could provide a much-needed boost in the middle of the Yankees’ lineup. Last season, Suárez hit 30 home runs and drove in 101 RBIs, marking his third career 100-RBI season. However, he is off to a rough start this year, leading the National League with five home runs but struggling with a .156 batting average.
One notable concern with Suárez is his high strikeout rate. He led the American League in strikeouts in 2022 (196) and 2023 (214) with the Seattle Mariners, and also led all of MLB with 189 strikeouts in 2019 with the Cincinnati Reds, a season in which he also hit a career-high 49 home runs.
Despite the swing-and-miss issue, Suárez could still provide significant value to the Yankees’ lineup. New York is in need of a consistent right-handed bat at third base, and Suárez has the durability to make a difference, playing at least 143 games in every full season since 2016 (excluding the shortened 2020 season).
As the Yankees continue to look for impactful additions, Suárez could become a key target if he becomes available.
