In a late-night move that caught much of the baseball world off guard, the Seattle Mariners secured a deal to bring back two-time All-Star Eugenio Suárez from the Arizona Diamondbacks — and the price they paid was shockingly low.
For weeks, it was believed that acquiring Suárez would require a hefty return, possibly including high-end prospects. That narrative collapsed on Wednesday when Seattle parted with three mid-tier prospects — Tyler Locklear, Hunter Cranton, and Juan Burgos — none of whom rank in the top 100 league-wide. It was a package the Reds easily could have matched without touching the core of their future.
Had Cincinnati stepped in, they likely would’ve had to offer something like Edwin Arroyo, Luke Holman, and Kenya Huggins — promising, but far from untouchable. The fact that the Reds stood by while Seattle pulled off what many consider highway robbery is raising serious questions about the front office’s urgency and aggressiveness.
This deal serves as more than just a missed opportunity — it’s a wake-up call. With the trade deadline ticking down, Cincinnati’s front office, led by GM Nick Krall, can’t afford to remain passive. The Suárez trade exposed how affordable the position-player market truly is, even while pitching prices remain sky-high.
The Reds don’t need a blockbuster bat, but a solid right-handed hitter to balance the lineup against left-handed pitching could make a world of difference down the stretch. Affordable options like Miguel Andujar or Ramón Laureano are still available and wouldn’t cost the Reds more than a lower-tier prospect.
Suárez returning to the Mariners may sting for Reds fans, but the real concern is what it says about Cincinnati’s willingness to make a move. The clock is ticking — and the message is clear: if the Reds want to stay competitive, they can’t afford to stand still.
