Eugenio Suarez’s Struggles Dim Mariners’ Trade Deadline Optimism
Eugenio Suarez was heralded as a transformative acquisition for the Seattle Mariners when they secured the slugging third baseman from the Arizona Diamondbacks ahead of the trade deadline. His addition, along with that of Josh Naylor, was expected to bolster the Mariners’ lineup significantly as they vied for dominance in the competitive AL West. However, as the Mariners have managed to wrest control of the division from the Houston Astros, Suarez’s performance has raised eyebrows and concerns.
Subpar Performance in Seattle
As the Mariners approached a crucial stretch of the season, Suarez’s stats told a troubling story. Entering Wednesday’s game, he was batting a mere .165 with a .613 OPS since donning a Mariners jersey. In stark contrast, during his tenure with the Diamondbacks, he showcased his power, hitting .248 with an impressive .897 OPS and belting 36 home runs over 106 games. The question on everyone’s mind is clear: what has gone wrong for Suarez in Seattle?
Deteriorating Metrics
A closer examination of Suarez’s performance reveals a significant decline across several key metrics since joining the Mariners.
Strikeout Rates: With Arizona, he struck out 26.8% of the time; this figure has ballooned to 34.9% in Seattle.
Exit Velocity: His average exit velocity dipped from 91.1 mph with the Diamondbacks to 86.1 mph with his new team.
Hard-Hit Percentage: Suarez had a hard-hit percentage of 51.1% in Arizona, which has plummeted to 32.7% since the trade.
Batted Ball Profile: Additionally, he’s hitting line drives at a 7% lower rate while his groundball percentage has increased by 9%.
Searching for Answers
The reasons behind this decline remain elusive. Whether it’s a mechanical flaw, a lingering physical issue, or simply an extended slump, Suarez’s struggles have been a disappointment for the Mariners. As the team looks to solidify its position atop the AL West, they can only hope that Suarez finds his rhythm again. If he does, the Mariners’ already formidable lineup could become even more threatening as they push for postseason success.
