The Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2025 season was a masterclass in frustration for fans who crave the crack of the bat. Finishing with a league-worst 117 home runs, their lineup lacked the explosive power needed to compete in today’s game . Now, they’re reportedly ready to make a seismic shift by targeting a proven, albeit streaky, power bat: Eugenio Suárez.
Table of Contents
- The Pirates’ Power Problem in 2025
- Why Eugenio Suárez is the Target
- The Intricate Sign-and-Trade Scenario
- Weighing the Risks and Rewards for Pittsburgh
- Conclusion: A Bold Gamble for Relevance
- Sources
The Pirates’ Power Problem in 2025
Let’s be blunt: the Pirates’ offense was toothless last year. Their 117 homers weren’t just bad; they were historically low for a full season in the modern era . For context, their “Home Run Champion” was Oneil Cruz with a modest 20 long balls . In a league where teams like the Braves or Yankees routinely clear 200+ dingers, this output simply isn’t competitive.
This lack of power strangled their ability to score runs in bunches, often leaving them reliant on small ball and hoping their pitching could carry an impossible load. To contend in the tough NL Central, they need a middle-of-the-order bat that can change a game with one swing. That’s the glaring hole they’re trying to fill.
Why Eugenio Suárez is the Target
Enter Eugenio Suárez. The veteran infielder is a known commodity with a track record of elite power. Just two years ago, he launched a staggering 49 home runs, placing him among the league’s very best sluggers . While his 2025 campaign with the Seattle Mariners was a rollercoaster—ending with a .189 average but still managing 13 homers in only 53 games —his raw power potential remains undeniable.
For the Pirates, Suárez represents a high-upside, high-risk proposition. He’s not a contact hitter; he’s a three-true-outcomes player (home run, walk, or strikeout). If he finds his timing in Pittsburgh, he could instantly transform their lineup from anemic to fearsome. If he doesn’t, they’re on the hook for a significant contract for a player who struggles to make consistent contact.
The Projected Deal
Reports suggest a potential three-year, $63 million contract is on the table for Suárez . This would be a massive commitment for a team like the Pirates, who have been notoriously frugal in recent years. It signals a clear intent to spend to win now, a philosophy shift that fans have been clamoring for.
The Intricate Sign-and-Trade Scenario
Here’s where things get fascinating. The most intriguing rumor isn’t just that the Pirates will sign Suárez, but that they’ll do so as a conduit to facilitate a sign-and-trade deal with the Seattle Mariners .
The logic is multi-layered:
- For Suárez: He gets his desired multi-year contract from a team willing to pay it.
- For the Pirates: They could acquire valuable young talent or a controllable major leaguer from Seattle in exchange for taking on Suárez’s contract. This would allow them to add both immediate power and future assets.
- For the Mariners: They retain a player they clearly value (they’ve shown interest in re-signing him ) without having to meet his full market price, potentially using the savings elsewhere.
This kind of three-way dance is rare but not unprecedented in MLB. It requires perfect alignment of interests, but if it works, it’s a win for all parties.
Weighing the Risks and Rewards for Pittsburgh
Signing Eugenio Suárez is a classic high-variance move. Let’s break it down:
The Upside
- Instant Power Injection: A healthy Suárez hitting 35-40 homers would solve their biggest offensive problem overnight.
- Veteran Leadership: His experience could be invaluable for a young core featuring players like Paul Skenes and Jared Jones.
- Trade Leverage: In the sign-and-trade scenario, they turn a big contract into tangible future value.
The Downside
- Declining Batting Average: His .189 average in 2025 is a major red flag. Can he hit for enough average to stay in the lineup?
- Defensive Limitations: At 33, his best position is likely first base or DH, which limits roster flexibility.
- Financial Commitment: A $21M+ annual salary is a huge bet on a player coming off a down year.
For a franchise trying to shed its reputation for rebuilding purgatory, this move screams ambition. It’s a statement that they’re ready to spend to win. However, if Suárez’s bat stays cold, it could become an albatross that hinders their next wave of prospects.
Conclusion: A Bold Gamble for Relevance
The Pirates’ reported pursuit of Eugenio Suárez is more than just a rumor; it’s a potential turning point for the franchise. After a 2025 season defined by a lack of power, they are looking at the most direct solution possible: a proven, elite home run hitter. Whether it’s a straightforward signing or a complex sign-and-trade with Seattle, this move represents a significant financial and strategic gamble. For a fanbase hungry for a winner, it’s a welcome sign of aggression, even if the outcome is far from guaranteed. The question on everyone’s mind in Pittsburgh is simple: will this be the spark that ignites a contender, or just another expensive flash in the pan? Only time, and Suárez’s bat, will tell.