Mariners' Eugenio Suarez Free Agent Pursuit Ends in Confusion

Seattle's third base plans in flux after Suarez signs one-year deal with Reds

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:31pm

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The Seattle Mariners' pursuit of free agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez has ended in confusion, as the power-hitting slugger signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds. This move leaves the Mariners with uncertainty at the hot corner, as they must now decide between the glove-first Ben Williamson and top prospect Colt Emerson, who is a natural shortstop.

Why it matters

Suarez had been a key part of the Mariners' lineup after being acquired at the trade deadline, providing much-needed power production. His departure leaves a hole in Seattle's offense that they will need to address, either through an internal solution or another free agent signing.

The details

Suarez, who hit 36 home runs for the Arizona Diamondbacks before the trade and 13 more with the Mariners, signed a surprisingly affordable one-year deal to return to the Reds. The Mariners, who had not made another major offseason acquisition at third base, now face a competition between Williamson, known for his defense, and Emerson, a shortstop prospect, to fill the position.

  • Suarez was acquired by the Mariners at the 2025 trade deadline.
  • Suarez signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Reds on February 1, 2026.

The players

Eugenio Suarez

A power-hitting third baseman who was acquired by the Mariners at the 2025 trade deadline and hit 13 home runs for them down the stretch.

Ben Williamson

A glove-first third baseman who is now in the mix to start for the Mariners in 2026.

Colt Emerson

A top Mariners prospect who is a natural shortstop but may be asked to play third base in 2026.

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What’s next

The Mariners will need to decide whether to go with the defensive-minded Williamson or the prospect Emerson at third base for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Mariners' failure to retain Eugenio Suarez, who signed an affordable one-year deal to return to the Reds, leaves them with uncertainty at the hot corner and a potential hole in their lineup that they will need to address through an internal solution or another free agent signing.