Just days after being heavily linked to Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Eugenio Suárez, the New York Yankees appear to be tapping the brakes. Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports the Yankees are concerned about Suárez’s declining defense at third base. For a team prioritizing run prevention as much as run production, this could be a deal-breaker for a trade.
The two-time All-Star has been a force at the plate in 2025, leading all of MLB with 85 RBIs and pacing the National League in home runs with 35. But despite slugging .601 and ranking among the league’s elite power hitters, Suárez’s defensive metrics paint a far more complicated picture. Baseball Savant lists him as tied for the lowest fielding run value (minus-four) among qualified third basemen, alongside Max Muncy. He’s also committed 11 errors this season—already matching his total from 2023.
Given these defensive struggles, for a Yankees team that places a premium on defensive reliability, especially in high-leverage postseason environments, those numbers are hard to ignore. Manager Aaron Boone and GM Brian Cashman have consistently emphasized balance on the roster, and the hot corner remains a spot where that balance is critical.
Does Offense Outweigh the Defensive Risk?
The dilemma facing Cashman now is whether Suárez’s offensive firepower outweighs the risk of diminished defense at one of the game’s most demanding positions. Suárez has generally been rated as a solid defender throughout his career, making 2025 somewhat of an outlier while in Arizona. Still, a 34-year-old with waning mobility and a recent uptick in errors isn’t the most comforting fit for a team trying to chase down the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East.
Suárez’s value takes a hit because teams view him as a rental. Contenders targeting him clearly focus on October, with free agency looming and his age working against a long-term extension. That focus increases the pressure on his defense—teams don’t forget postseason mistakes, especially in the Bronx.
The Yankees’ current production at third base has been disappointing. Oswald Peraza has struggled to find his rhythm at the plate. While his glove is steady, his overall impact is minimal. The Yankees need a spark, and Suárez is one of the few proven power bats available.
Suárez’s underlying plate discipline metrics may help tip the scale in his favor. Contenders have shifted their focus to October as they target Suárez, knowing his looming free agency and age make a long-term extension unlikely. That kind of veteran offensive profile—one that combines patience and power—could help lengthen a Yankees lineup that sometimes leans too heavily on Aaron Judge. His presence would also protect Judge and Giancarlo Stanton in the order, potentially forcing opposing pitchers to throw more hittable pitches.
The Calculated Gamble: Will Power Trump Defense?
Bowden says the Yankees haven’t fully ruled out a Suárez deal. They are weighing whether the defensive drop-off is worth the offensive boost. With the deadline near and teams like the Mariners interested, Cashman must decide whether to push the chips in or target someone else.
The Yankees are clearly in win-now mode. They’re a top-five offense, and after getting to the World Series last year, fans want a trophy, preferably this year. Adding Suárez could complete the lineup, but it may bring a defensive cost they are hesitant to pay.
Yankees Weigh Risk as Slugger’s Defense Raises Red Flags