Imagine this: the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team in dire need of some serious power, let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers. I'm talking about Eugenio Suarez, a right-handed slugger who could've been the answer to their prayers. But here's the kicker - they whiffed on him, and it's a decision that has many fans scratching their heads.
Last season, the Pirates struck out an astonishing 1,423 times, second-most in the National League. That's a lot of missed opportunities! And with a desperate need for a third baseman, Eugenio Suarez seemed like the perfect fit. He's a power hitter who can bring some much-needed pop to the lineup, especially with the recent acquisitions of Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn.
Suarez's stats speak for themselves. He blasted 49 home runs last season, accounting for a whopping 42% of the Pirates' total! That's almost half of the team's power output, and it's hard to ignore. Even if we consider the impact of PNC Park, a hitter-friendly ballpark, Suarez's numbers are still impressive. He would've still contributed significantly, and the Pirates could've used that kind of production.
But here's where it gets controversial. Suarez is 34 years old, and his second half of the season wasn't his best. However, age is just a number, and his home run count speaks volumes. The Pirates needed a power hitter, and Suarez fit the bill. Even if he wasn't the perfect defensive third baseman, his bat would've made up for it.
And this is the part most people miss - the Pirates had a chance to sign Suarez for a reported one-year, $15 million deal. That's an incredible value for a player of his caliber! But they hesitated, and Suarez ended up in Cincinnati, a team that made the playoffs last season under manager Terry Francona, a Pittsburgh native.
The Pirates should've been more aggressive. They needed to outbid other teams, especially when you consider their league-wide reputation. Offering an extra $2-4 million or an additional year could've made all the difference. It's a small price to pay for a player who could've transformed their lineup.
As Jeff Passan from ESPN tweeted, the best bat on the market went to Cincinnati. It's a bitter pill to swallow, especially when you consider the potential impact Suarez could've had. The Pirates had a chance to make a statement, but they played it safe, and now they're left wondering what could've been.
So, what do you think? Should the Pirates have taken a chance on Suarez? Or was it a wise decision to pass on a player with a questionable second half? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this controversial move!
