New York — The Yankees’ search for third base help has taken an unexpected turn. While Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Eugenio Suarez remains on their radar, defensive concerns and emerging alternatives have the front office reassessing their trade deadline approach.
Suarez defense raises red flags
According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, the Yankees have been “linked” with Suarez, but “there is concern about his defense.” The numbers validate those worries. The 34-year-old is tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Max Muncy for the lowest fielding run value (minus-four) among qualified third basemen at Baseball Savant. He has also committed 11 errors this season, the sixth overall in MLB and third highest after Manny Machado and Austin Riley. In the all-time third base, he has 121 errors, third after Nolan Arenado and Manny Machado.
Statcast previously graded him highly at third—+9 FRV and +12 OAA in 2023. But this year, he grades negatively in both. At 34, his defensive drop is prompting caution. His .974 fielding percentage ranked sixth among NL third basemen in 2024, but now advanced data paints a tougher picture.
The defensive decline appears significant. With Seattle in 2023, he graded out as an elite defensive third baseman by Statcast Fielding Run Value (+9) and Outs Above Average (+12), and was a positive in those metrics last season. This season he’s been a negative in both stats, and at 33, it’s likely — though not certain—that his best fielding days are behind him.
His .974 fielding percentage was sixth best among NL third basemen [min. 100 G] in 2024, suggesting the raw errors don’t tell the complete story. However, current metrics (.950) paint a concerning picture for 2025. Despite these defensive struggles representing somewhat of an outlier for a player who has generally been solid at the hot corner since 2016, the Yankees appear hesitant to overlook the liability.
But power show tells different story
Eugenio Suarez’s offensive production presents a compelling counterargument. After a two-homer night in Saturday’s 10-1 win, Suarez walloped two pitches over the left-field wall within the first three innings of Sunday’s 5-3 win against Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas. His current season statistics are impressive, hitting .250/.320/.889 with 31 home runs and 78 RBI.
Through 98 games this season, Suarez is slashing .257/.328/.601 with 85 RBI and 63 runs scored. That second home run gave Suarez 35 on the season, the second most he’s hit in a campaign, trailing 49 (2019). His current pace would give him his fifth career 30-homer season.
The veteran’s proven track record includes two All-Star selections and consistent power production. Even when projecting a little bit of regression over the final few months, he’s a proven hitter in a market without a lot of power bats.
Rosario emerges as one of Yankees’ alternative
Writing for the New York Post (subscription required), MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports that the D-backs’ Eugenio Suárez, the Rockies’ Ryan McMahon, and the Pirates’ Ke’Bryan Hayes “all are on the Yankees’ radar.” However, a new name has surfaced as a more realistic option.
“Amed Rosario would be a good fit for the Yankees,” Heyman commented. “He’s played a lot at third base this year.”
The Washington Nationals infielder brings different qualities to the table. Through 149 plate appearances this season, Rosario is hitting .273/.315/.432 with a 113 OPS+ and five home runs. While lacking Suarez’s power, Rosario offers positional flexibility and platoon advantages.
Contract considerations matter for Yankees
Financial implications could tip the scales. Suarez carries a $15 million salary for 2025, while Rosario signed a one-year deal with the Rays for 2024 and currently plays on a 1 yr/$2M (25) contract with Washington.
With a contract of just $2 million for one year, Rosario fits the “cheap rental” profile that Brian Cashman is so fond of at the trade deadline. This significant cost difference aligns with the Yankees’ recent tendency to pursue value acquisitions rather than blockbuster deals.
Platoon advantage adding to rethink
The numbers back this up: Rosario has a lifetime OPS of .802 against lefties and an impressive .845 in 2025. This specialized production addresses a specific Yankees need.
While his defense isn’t the most polished, his consistency at the plate, especially against lefties, is a valuable asset for a lineup that sometimes relies too heavily on left-handed hitters. Defensively, Rosario brings positional versatility in 2025, having played 24 games at third base, 15 games at second base, and one game at shortstop, along with time in right field, demonstrating his utility value.
However, defensive metrics have been mixed throughout his career. In 2019, he had -10 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), the worst in the National League among qualifying shortstops. Prior to the 2023 trade deadline, he recorded -16 Defensive Runs Saved with Cleveland, though he improved to +3 DRS after joining the Dodgers. His ability to handle multiple positions provides roster flexibility, even if he won’t win any Gold Gloves.
The Yankees’ current third base situation features Oswaldo Peraza and Jorbit Vivas, neither of whom has established themselves as everyday options. While Rosario isn’t the name that sets the rumor mill ablaze like Eugenio Suárez or Ryan McMahon, his arrival would be an upgrade over Peraza or Vivas.
Timing critical for Yankees’ decision
The 2025 Trade Deadline is July 31 at 6 p.m. ET. With less than two weeks remaining, the Yankees must balance their championship aspirations against roster realities.
The Diamondbacks’ stance adds another layer of complexity. Yankees are among teams that have inquired on All-Star 3B Eugenio Suarez, but the Diamondbacks remain undecided about whether to sell. Arizona’s position on the periphery of the National League Wild Card race could influence their willingness to deal their power-hitting third baseman.
Meanwhile, competition for available upgrades continues to intensify. The Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a promising position at the top of the AL East and have also shown interest in Rosario’s services. Mariners, Cubs, others, among many others, that make sense for both Suarez and alternative options.
Beyond the numbers
The Yankees don’t need a superstar at third base; they just need someone who won’t sink the lineup every third inning. This pragmatic assessment reflects the team’s current approach to roster construction.
For Suarez, personal preferences could influence negotiations. While Suarez has responded positively to Yankees rumors, the Detroit Tigers seem to be the suitor he would prefer. His history with Detroit, where he made his MLB debut in 2014, adds sentimental value to that potential destination.
Rosario’s career trajectory includes stops with the Mets, Guardians, Dodgers, Rays, Reds, and now Nationals. This extensive travel log demonstrates his adaptability but also suggests teams view him as a complementary piece rather than a cornerstone.
Deadline nears as urgency grows
The Yankees’ third base decision represents more than just a single roster move. It reflects broader organizational philosophy about balancing immediate needs against long-term sustainability.
Even a modest increase in production and situational hitting could tip some key games, and in October, that’s everything. Whether that production comes from Suarez’s proven power or Rosario’s specialized skillset remains to be determined.
As the deadline approaches, expect Brian Cashman to continue exploring all options. The final decision will likely hinge on asking price, both in terms of prospects and dollars. One thing remains certain: the status quo at third base is not sustainable for a team with World Series aspirations.
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