Red Sox Reportedly Interested In All-Star Slugger After 49 Homer Season

The Boston Red Sox have been active in the trade market this offseason, but could soon dip their hands in free agency.

The Red Sox have shown interest in Pete Alonso and Bo Bichette, according to The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey, but they have also shown interest in Eugenio Suárez. Suárez hit 49 home runs last season between the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Red Sox’s top priority is reportedly still re-signing Alex Bregman, so why the interest in Suárez? Well, Craig Breslow is likely exploring options in case the Red Sox cannot retain Bregman. Given the Red Sox have not spent big yet, it could mean they are ensuring they land Bregman before adding another bat.

Bregman was a great player for the Red Sox last season, but was also seen as a leader and mentor in the clubhouse. Suárez is a solid backup plan, but Bregman could have a bigger impact off the field.

Last season, Suárez was the talk of the trade deadline. The Mariners ultimately acquired him, but he did not perform well for his new team. Suárez did not thrive in the Mariners’ pitcher-friendly ballpark.

Suárez hit 13 home runs in 53 games for the Mariners, but slashed .189/.255/.428. For the Diamondbacks, he had 36 home runs in 106 games and slashed .248/.320/.576. His OPS+ before the trade was 142, but dropped to 126 by the time the year ended.

Suárez is a two-time All-Star and could be looking for a change of scenery. The Red Sox could use a bat like his in the lineup regardless of whether they sign Bregman or not. However, his being a third baseman would complicate the lineup, which is why he is likely a backup plan.