Eugenio Suarez

Eugenio Suarez's Biography

Eugenio Alejandro Suárez is a Venezuelan professional baseball infielder who currently plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball (MLB). This seasoned athlete, born July 18, 1991, previously showcased his skills on the field playing for the Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, and Seattle Mariners. He rose to prominence in 2018 when he was selected as an MLB All-Star while playing with the Reds.

Suárez embarked upon his professional baseball journey when he signed as an amateur free agent with the Detroit Tigers on October 9, 2008. He embarked upon his fledgling adventure in the Venezuelan Summer League with the Tigers during the 2009 and 2010 seasons before moving in 2011 to Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. The versatile player developed his skills playing for diverse teams in the league including the Gulf Coast Tigers, the Connecticut Tigers in the Class A-Short Season New York-Penn League, and the West Michigan Whitecaps of the Class A Midwest League in 2012. Here, he impressed fans with a .288 batting average and 21 stolen bases in 135 games.

In the 2013 season, Suárez played for the Lakeland Flying Tigers of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League before rising to join the Erie SeaWolves of the Class AA Eastern League. Following his impressive performances, the Tigers swiftly added him to their esteemed 40-man roster in November 2013. The 2014 season began with Suárez playing for Erie again before his promotion to the Toledo Mud Hens of the Class AAA International League in May.

Broaching a significant turning point in his career, Suárez made his debut in Detroit on June 4th of the year. He notched up his first major league start playing against the Boston Red Sox just a few days later, during which he recorded his maiden hit, which was a solo home run. By the end of his rookie season, Suárez had successfully established a .242 batting average from 85 games, with 4 home runs and 23 runs batted in (RBIs).

The close of the year 2014 brought about a significant development in Suárez’s career as he was traded by the Tigers, along with minor league pitcher Jonathon Crawford, to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for starting pitcher Alfredo Simón. By June 2015, he had made his mark on the Reds as their regular starting shortstop. Completing 2015, he achieved a .284 batting average, with his 13 home runs and 48 RBIs contributing to his competeive value. Notwithstanding this, he placed second among NL shortstops in errors, recording 19.

2016 was an eventful year for Suárez, who hit 21 home runs and drove in 70 runs, while maintaining a batting average of .248. However, his defensive abilities were marked upon that year as he led the major leagues in errors, amassing 23.

In 2018, Suárez signed a seven-year $66 million contract with the Reds. The year marked a career milestone for Suárez when he was named to the 2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. He successfully completed the season leading every third baseman in the National League with 19 clear errors, coupled with his team-leading 34 home runs and 104 runs batted in.

Suárez continued showcasing his impressive defensive abilities, playing 159 games in 2019 and leading all National League third basemen in errors with 17. That year, he achieved an enviable .271 batting average, 49 home runs (2nd in the NL), and 103 RBIs (10th).

A nagging injury diverted Suárez’s path in early 2020 when he had to undergo right shoulder surgery to tackle torn, loose cartilage. Despite his injury and the shortened 2020 season, Suárez showcased his resilience by finishing with a batting average of .202.

Despite a rough start in the 2021 season, Suárez turned things around, finishing with a .198 average and 171 strikeouts, as well as recording 31 home runs and 79 RBIs.

Capping his career with the Reds, Suárez and his teammate, Jesse Winker, were traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2022 in return for Justin Dunn, Jake Fraley, Brandon Williamson, and Connor Phillips. Despite the frustration of Reds fans, the trade saved the franchise nearly $36 million. His time with the Mariners was short-lived, however, as he was subsequently traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Carlos Vargas and Seby Zavala in late 2023.

Making an impact where he goes, Suárez continues to set new records while facing whatever challenges come his way. Together with his wife, Génesis, and their two daughters, the talented player calls Pinecrest, Florida home. Eugenio Alejandro Suárez truly stands out as a force to reckon with in Major League Baseball.