The Los Angeles Angels are looking to bolster their lineup with hitters who can generate reliable, well-rounded offensive production through both power and strong on-base ability.
While the Angels have several big bats capable of hitting the ball with authority, many of them struggle with making consistent contact and managing quality at-bats.
One of the top free agent bats is Eugenio Suarez, who played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners last season.
Suarez hit 49 home runs last season, slashing .189/.255/.428 and accumulating 118 RBIs. He experienced a rough patch when he was traded back to the Mariners, but the third baseman has a proven track record as a strong hitter who can slug.
Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report has him signing with the Angels, contributing to the offense and providing a much-needed infielder.
“The Angels—a team that needs a third baseman and power bat—make quite a bit of sense,” Kelly wrote.
“Suárez hit 189 home runs during parts of seven seasons with the Reds, and a return to Cincinnati would make sense offensively for a team that needs to add a big veteran bat.
“However, he would have to be willing to spend the bulk of his time at DH and/or first base, because for all of Ke’Bryan Hayes’ offensive limitations, he’s arguably the best defender in all of baseball, so they aren’t moving him off third base.”
The Angels have a hole at third base, and Suarez could be the right man to fill it. He isn’t a strong defender overall because of his limited mobility and range, but he can still provide a decent performance that is complemented by his hitting.
Kelly has Suarez signing a two-year, $43 million contract with the Angels, earning $21.5 million per season.
He will be 36 years old by the end of the deal, but as a short-term option that can help the team while younger players develop, Suarez makes sense as a free agent signing.
If they can get close to the production of his 2025 season, he will be well worth the paycheck and value.
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