Overview
- R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports predicts Suárez will return to Seattle, calling a reunion the path of least resistance given a muted free‑agent market.
- Jim Bowden has projected a new contract around $72 million, a range viewed as workable for the Mariners’ payroll by recent coverage.
- Suárez hit 49 home runs with a 3.6 WAR in 2025, including 13 homers after the Mariners acquired him from the Diamondbacks at the trade deadline.
- Reports say teams are hesitant because he turns 35 in July, carries extreme swing‑and‑miss tendencies, and grades below average at third base.
- Seattle’s decision set features re‑signing a familiar power bat versus exploring trades that could cost prospects, with Brendan Donovan mentioned as an alternative; Josh Naylor has already re‑upped while Jorge Polanco departed.