The Pirates are interested in Eugenio Suarez

The Pittsburgh Pirates let Ke'Bryan Hayes go at the last trade deadline, sending him to their National League Central Division rivals, the Cincinnati Reds. The fact that the $32 million remaining on the third baseman's contract will now be paid by the Reds gives the Pirates some flexibility this off-season.

After acquiring Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn, the Steel City outfit was the favorite to sign Kazuma Okamoto from Japan. However, the Nippon ended up with the Toronto Blue Jays on the terms of a four-year, $60 million contract, one day before the end of his window of availability.

But the Pirates haven't said their last word. In fact, according to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh is interested in Eugenio Suarez's services, although it's doubtful the club can win the bidding for the big hitter.

Pirates Interested In Eugenio Suarez https://t.co/6B6aHk25Qv pic.twitter.com/TqNnL4MzN5

– MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) January 5, 2026

The Pirates need not only a third-base player, but also offense, as they were one of the worst teams at that level in 2025. This makes Suarez a very good fit.

The latter is an excellent power hitter, having never hit fewer than 21 home runs in a season in which he played over 100 games during his career, more than any Pirates player in the last campaign. He equaled his personal best with 49 long balls last season, and also played an important role for the Seattle Mariners in their playoff run.

Admittedly, there are a few concerns about Suarez, namely his age—he'll be 35 in July—and his declining defensive game. But the Pirates' crying need shouldn't make them pass him by.

This content was created with the help of AI.