The Detroit Tigers were the biggest surprise of the 2024 MLB season, making a strong run to the American League Division Series. At the trade deadline, few expected them to reach the playoffs — but they caught fire in the second half and didn’t slow down.
Now in 2025, the Tigers have picked up right where they left off. As of now, they look like a strong postseason team once again. But if they want to make a deep October run, they’ll likely need to upgrade their roster at the deadline.
Detroit Tigers Could Be Interested in Acquiring Arizona Diamondbacks Slugger at the Deadline
Earlier this week, MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic shared his list of potential trade targets for every playoff contender. He put the list together after speaking with team executives across the league.
For the Tigers, Bowden listed third base as the team’s biggest need and pointed to Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Eugenio Suárez as a top target.
“Suárez began his major-league career with the Tigers in 2014, so it would only be fitting if he returned for the back end of his career to help the Tigers get to the World Series,” Bowden wrote.
“An impending free agent, Suárez would help Detroit lengthen its lineup and supply more three-run homers. He has belted 30 or more homers in three of the past four seasons and is on pace to do it again this year.”
Eugenio Suárez puts the @Dbacks ahead with his THIRD grand slam this year! pic.twitter.com/8Y2UAdi7AE
— MLB (@MLB) June 11, 2025
Suárez started the season hot and has kept it going into the summer. He’s currently hitting .233/.305/.514 with 19 home runs, 52 RBIs, and a 124 OPS+.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks have cooled off after a good start. With the NL West race heating up, Arizona might look to shed salary and add prospects if it falls too far behind over the next few weeks.
As for the Tigers, their lineup has been solid, and they’ve shown strong defensive versatility. But third base has been a clear weak spot on offense.
MORE: Diamondbacks Could Trade Key Starting Pitcher
Zack McKinstry, Javier Báez, Jace Jung, and Andy Ibáñez have all logged over 100 innings at third this year. Combined, though, they’ve hit just 11 home runs at the position — a number Suárez could easily improve.
Adding a power-hitting third baseman like Suárez could be a big boost, especially with how important home runs can be in the playoffs. And with free agency coming up this winter, Suárez will be motivated to finish the season strong.
The 33-year-old Venezuelan began his MLB career with the Tigers back in 2014. He signed a seven-year, $66 million extension with the Cincinnati Reds in 2018 before being traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2022. After two seasons in Seattle, the D-backs traded for him ahead of 2024 and picked up his $15 million club option for 2025.