Pirates Insider Calls for Eugenio Suárez Signing
The Pittsburgh Pirates have made strides this offseason, adding prominent players like Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe. However, there’s a growing sentiment that the team still lacks the firepower necessary to truly elevate its lineup. With the recent moves, including a three-team trade that saw the Pirates acquire Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays while sending right-handed pitcher Mike Burrows to the Houston Astros, the focus now shifts to bolstering their offensive capabilities even further.
Ongoing Offseason Moves
On December 4, the Pirates also landed promising outfielder Jhostynxon García, a top 100 prospect, from the Boston Red Sox, parting ways with right-hander Johan Oviedo. Despite these acquisitions, the consensus among fans and analysts is clear: the Pirates need another impactful bat to solidify their offseason efforts.
Jim Bowden’s Impassioned Plea
Jim Bowden, a notable insider, has been vocal about his desire for the Pirates to pursue Eugenio Suárez. Speaking on MLB Network Radio, he expressed enthusiasm over the addition of Lowe and praised the potential of the Pirates’ starting pitching staff. However, Bowden argues that to truly capitalize on these moves, signing Suárez would be a game-changer for the lineup.
His impassioned appeal to general manager Ben Cherington was clear. Bowden stated, “You’ve got Brandon Lowe, let’s finish the job. Let’s get some power for this pitching staff.” He emphasized that the Pirates possess a pitching staff capable of keeping them competitive, but run support is essential. “Let’s go get Suárez and put him with Lowe and get that power in the middle there,” he urged. Bowden’s call to action highlights the need for the Pirates to avoid close, low-scoring losses, suggesting that Suárez’s power could significantly alter the outcomes of games.
Eugenio Suárez’s Proven Track Record
The potential addition of Suárez to the Pirates would be a monumental boost. Since 2018, only five players have hit more home runs than he has, and his consistency is noteworthy. Suárez has never hit fewer than 21 home runs in a season where he played more than 100 games, a feat none of the current Pirates players matched last season, with center fielder Oneil Cruz leading the team with 20 home runs.
To illustrate Suárez’s power-hitting prowess, here’s a breakdown of his home run totals over the years:
2016 (159 games): 21 home runs
2017 (156 games): 26 home runs
2018 (143 games): 34 home runs
2019 (159 games): 49 home runs
2021 (145 games): 31 home runs
2022 (140 games): 31 home runs
2023 (162 games): 22 home runs
2024 (projected 158 games): 30 home runs
With numbers like these, it’s evident that Suárez could provide the offensive boost the Pirates desperately seek.
The Path Forward for the Pirates
As discussions continue, the emphasis remains on building a lineup that can support an impressive pitching staff. Bowden’s fervent call for Cherington to pursue Suárez underscores the belief that the Pirates are on the cusp of something significant. With the right additions, they could transform themselves into a competitive force in the league, capable of scoring runs and securing victories. The ball is now in Cherington’s court as fans await the next move in what has already been a promising offseason.
