The Seattle Mariners took a very aggressive approach at the trade deadline. Rather than being complacent where they were, the front office got very aggressive and went after a few stars. They traded for Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor in a pair of deals with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
But both stars are headed to free agency this offseason, which isn't good news for the Mariners.
The Athletic's Jim Bowden recently projected Suárez would sign a solid three-year deal worth $72 million in free agency, which could fit in the Mariners' payroll.
"Suárez led all third basemen this season with 49 home runs and he drove in 118 runs," Bowden wrote. "He was traded from the Diamondbacks to the Mariners at the deadline but struggled after joining Seattle, hitting just .189 with 13 home runs in 53 games and 220 plate appearances.
"Suárez's power is real, though, as this was the fifth time in the last six years he hit 30 or more home runs; however, he struggles with strikeouts and his walk rate has dipped the last two seasons. He'll play at 34 years old next year, which is why he'll have to sign a shorter-term deal in free agency."
For a while, it didn't seem like the Mariners had much of a chance to re-sign Suárez this winter, but if he's going to sign for well under $100 million, Seattle could make it work.
Suárez is loved in Seattle, which could force the front office to pursue a reunion. Pair his charisma with the huge bat that helped lead the team to the postseason, and remaining there would make a lot of sense.