The Pittsburgh Pirates got some bad news over the weekend, missing out on Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto. The free agent slugger was one of the Pirates’ top offseason targets but joined the Toronto Blue Jays instead, signing a four-year, $60 million deal with the reigning American League champs.
While it’s a disappointing outcome for Pittsburgh, there’s still time for the team to pivot and add another impact bat this winter. One free agent who could still provide the corner infield power they’re looking for is Eugenio Suarez.
A two-time All-Star, Suarez matched his career high with 49 home runs last season while driving in a personal-best 118 runs for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners. He’s been one of the most consistent sluggers in the sport over the last decade, averaging 31 homers, 88 RBI, 2.5 WAR and an .801 OPS per season.
Suarez is also comfortable at PNC Park after spending seven seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. In 65 games there, he has 13 homers, 13 doubles, 40 RBI and an .882 OPS.
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While Suarez is 34 now, he’s shown no signs of slowing down offensively. He’s capable of providing a major power boost, veteran leadership and plenty of run production for a Pirates lineup that ranked last in MLB in several offensive categories last season, including homers and runs scored.
Suarez is a great fit for Pittsburgh and a good alternative to Okamoto. He’s five years older than Okamoto, but he’s also proven himself in the Major Leagues and may not cost as much.
The Pirates still have some money to spend, so they’ll likely make a strong push for Suarez over the next few weeks now that Okamoto is off the board.
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