Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 8, 2024 11:40 pm GMT
Former Mariners Star Eugenio Suarez Makes History Among Venezuelan-Born Players
On a pivotal Saturday afternoon, the Arizona Diamondbacks fell to the Houston Astros, impacting their standings in the competitive MLB playoff race. However, amidst this tough loss, former Seattle Mariners star Eugenio Suarez achieved a significant personal milestone, marking his place in baseball history among Venezuelan-born players.
Eugenio Suarez’s Home Run Milestone
Eugenio Suarez went 2-for-4 at the plate during the Diamondbacks’ game, hitting his 25th home run of the season. This achievement has allowed him to join an elite group of Venezuelan players who have recorded six or more seasons with 25 or more home runs. Notably, this puts him in the same ranking as renowned players like Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Gonzalez.
- Most Career 25+ Home Run Seasons Among Venezuelan Players:
- 12 – Miguel Cabrera
- 7 – Andres Galarraga
- 6 – Eugenio Suarez
- 6 – Magglio Ordonez
- 5 – Carlos Gonzalez
- 4 – Tony Armas
- 4 – Salvador Perez
Suarez’s achievement is particularly noteworthy given his hitting statistics for this season, where he currently holds a .244 batting average, accompanied by 88 RBIs and a .772 OPS.
The Mariners’ Decision to Trade Suarez
Last offseason, the Mariners made the controversial decision to trade Suarez to the Diamondbacks in a move that was initially portrayed as a method to reduce strikeouts. Suarez led the American League in strikeouts during his tenure with the Mariners, but the trade was also linked to reducing the team’s payroll, as his $11 million salary was seen as a hurdle.
During his time with the Mariners, Suarez quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing both his positive demeanor and consistent power. In the 2022 season, he hit 31 home runs and drove in 87 RBIs as the Mariners returned to the playoffs. In the following season, he maintained strong performance with 22 home runs and 96 RBIs, helping the team come just one game short of playoff contention.
The Fallout of the Trade
The decision to part with Suarez has continued to be a topic of discussion among Mariners fans and analysts, many of whom are frustrated by what they view as a string of cost-cutting moves by the team’s front office. This sentiment has been compounded by mixed reactions regarding the players acquired in the trade, including backup catcher Seby Zavala and a pitching prospect.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Suarez and the Diamondbacks?
As the Diamondbacks continue their quest for a playoff spot, Suarez’s performance will be crucial. With a solid track record and a remarkable ability to hit home runs, he remains a significant asset to his new team. His historic milestones add to his growing legacy, proving his worth and influence in the league despite his recent challenges.
Breaking News and Commentary
For fans seeking deeper insights into the ongoing situations surrounding the Mariners and their management decisions, the latest episode of the “Refuse to Lose” podcast is now available. Host Brady Farkas discusses management strategies, player trades, and future spending priorities, contributing to the broader conversation about team direction and prospects.
Former Mariners and MLB analysts are providing valuable perspectives, such as Adnan Virk from the MLB Network and Tom Caron from NESN, helping to paint a clearer picture of the Mariners’ situation and what fans can expect moving forward.
- Listen to the latest episode of the “Refuse to Lose” podcast: [podcast link]
- Follow “Inside the Mariners” for updates: on Facebook and Twitter.
- Subscribe to keep up with the latest MLB news and discussions: [subscription link]
As the MLB season goes on, Suarez is showing how talented he is. His achievements are also part of a bigger story about Venezuelan players in Major League Baseball. His record shows the great history and success that Venezuelan athletes have added to the league.
