Two factors have contributed to Eugenio Suárez’s popularity on the trade market: His impressive performance over the past 12 months, and, more importantly, a need for third-base help among a number of contending clubs.
The Yankees jumped the market with their trade for Ryan McMahon, but Suárez remains the crown jewel of this Trade Deadline, with the Cubs, Mariners, Tigers, Brewers, Reds, Astros and Phillies all interested in the slugger to varying degrees.
But another third baseman could fill one of those holes, as sources said Nolan Arenado – who was at the center of multiple trade talks during the offseason – could be moved by Thursday’s 6 p.m. ET deadline.
The Cardinals will have to get approval from Arenado, who possesses a full no-trade clause and can veto any trade – which he did in December after the Cardinals and Astros had agreed to a trade to send the eight-time All-Star to Houston.
Despite their need for a third baseman following Isaac Paredes’ recent injury, sources have indicated that the Astros don’t appear inclined to make another bid for Arenado. The Yankees have already filled their hot corner vacancy, removing another potential suitor, but a source said some of the other clubs pursuing Suárez could pivot to Arenado if they miss out on the Arizona slugger.
Arenado has two years and $42 million remaining on his contract beyond this season, earning $27 million in 2026 and $15 million in 2027. Next season’s salary includes $6 million in deferred money, plus $5 million that will be paid by the Rockies as part of the 2021 trade that sent him to St. Louis. The Cardinals would likely have to pay down part of Arenado’s contract in order to move him, but St. Louis’ desire to open a spot for some of its young infielders might prompt them to do that.
After starting the season in strong fashion (.814 OPS over his first 25 games), Arenado’s year has been a bit of a roller coaster. He looked to have turned things around in June, posting an .801 OPS in his first 20 games of the month; since then, Arenado has a .476 OPS over his past 20 contests before Sunday. Overall, he has 10 home runs, 43 RBIs and a .669 OPS in 93 games this season.
The 34-year-old remains an elite defender at third base, with his 4 outs above average ranking in the 89th percentile. Whether stellar defense and slightly below average offense (88 OPS+) are enough for a club to commit to two-plus years of Arenado remains to be seen, but it’s certainly in play.
What’s next for the Rockies?
Multiple teams have reached out about All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman and center fielder Brenton Doyle, but with four years of control remaining for each player, sources said the Rockies are highly unlikely to trade either.
Three controllable relievers may be the best assets Colorado seems open to moving, as a variety of buyers have interest in Seth Halvorsen, Victor Vodnik and Jake Bird. None has the name value of some other controllable relievers rumored to be available such as Emmanuel Clase, Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax, but each offers plenty of tools that have scouts intrigued.
“I don’t know if Colorado will trade any or all of them, but they can all help teams now and in the future,” one AL scout said. “Halvorsen and Vodnik have electric arms.”
Two Rockies left-handers (Kyle Freeland and Austin Gomber) are also on some teams’ radars, though neither is having a strong season. Freeland is owed about $5 million for the rest of 2025 and $16 million next season, while Gomber is owed roughly $2 million this year before becoming a free agent.
Freeland doesn’t strike out many hitters, but he also doesn’t walk many. His numbers this season away from Coors Field (4.68 ERA on the road) are better than in Colorado, where he has a 5.98 ERA. Moving Freeland – who has five quality starts in his past eight outings – out of Denver could make him a solid mid-to-back-end rotation pitcher elsewhere.
Gomber’s home/road splits have been even more drastic, with a 3.86 ERA in three road starts against a 7.52 mark in Colorado. The 31-year-old didn’t debut this season until June 15 as he dealt with shoulder soreness, but most teams view him as a No. 5 starter, so any return would likely be minimal.
This week figures to be another chance for Chicago to bolster its system with young talent, as sources say the White Sox have at least four players – Luis Robert Jr., Adrian Houser, Cam Booser and Steven Wilson – who could be on the move by Thursday.
Luis Robert Jr. has generated the most trade buzz over the past couple years, and his recent hot streak – he has five homers, 17 RBIs, five stolen bases and an .856 OPS over his past 26 games entering Sunday – has helped lift his trade value at the ideal time. Even during a down year, Robert’s bat speed has been elite (93rd percentile), while his overall speed and defense in center field remain excellent.
The center field options aside from Robert include Baltimore’s Cedric Mullins (.579 OPS since April 29) and Minnesota’s Harrison Bader, but Robert possesses the most upside of that group.
Houser has been on a stellar run since joining the White Sox in mid-May, going 6-2 with a 2.10 ERA in 11 starts. Chicago could land one or two of a club’s Top 30 prospects for Houser’s expiring contract, while relievers Booser and Wilson are among a deep crop of bullpen arms available this week.
