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The Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly entered the race for All-Star slugger Eugenio Suárez.
According to Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies have had conversations with the Arizona Diamondbacks about Suárez. Unlike most teams pursuing him, though, the situation in Philadelphia is more complex.
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“It wouldn’t be the cleanest fit,” wrote Lauber. “Suárez is a third baseman, and although Alec Bohm is out with a fractured rib, the Phillies expect him to return next month. Trading for Suárez, then, would eventually require an undesirable countermove, such as putting Kyle Schwarber back in left field.”
Defensively, Suárez is league average at best, but his offensive production certainly makes up for it. The Diamondbacks would not have stayed in the playoff race for as long as they did without his performances.
However, it shouldn’t be out of the picture to keep Schwarber as the designated hitter. If Suárez is the better third baseman, he should keep his spot over Bohm.
“The Phillies would have to decide if the offensive bump from adding Suárez, tied with Schwarber for second in the National League with 36 home runs, would outweigh weakening the outfield defense,” added Lauber. “Suárez, eligible for free agency after the season, could also provide right-handed protection for Bryce Harper in the middle of the order.”
The answer to this should be yes. Philadelphia should absolutely sacrifice defense to acquire Suárez, whether that is by moving Schwarber to left or by playing Suárez at third over Bohm.
Whether they truly do it remains to be seen. Suárez would require a strong return going back to Arizona, and a third baseman is not on the main priority list for the Phillies.
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