Mariners Eugenio Suarez Buzz Heating Up; AL Club Could Make Sense As Fit

Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 14:35 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Eugenio Suárez’s 2023 Surge Fuels Talk of a New AL Home

When the Texas Rangers finished the 2023 season with a 102‑60 record and a sweeping postseason win over the Boston Red Sox, the highlight of the night was not the pitcher who won the series, but the shortstop who had quietly turned the ball into a beacon of hope for the club: Eugenio Suárez. In a year that could have been unremarkable for the veteran, Suárez not only produced at a level that surprised analysts, but he also put the shortstop position on the map for all of Major League Baseball. The result? A buzz that is now swirling around the prospect of a “fit” for an American League club, with particular attention on the “Zach‑3” storyline that has become a running joke among fans.

The Numbers Speak

Batting Average: .312
Home Runs: 11
Runs Batted In: 48
Stolen Bases: 10
On‑Base + Slugging (OPS): 1.003
Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+): 120 (120% of league average)
Fielding Percentage: .981
Defensive Runs Saved (DRS): 11

These statistics, all compiled on his [ Baseball‑Reference profile ], position Suárez among the top shortstops in the AL by offensive production and defensive reliability. His 1.003 OPS is more than a full point higher than the league average for shortstops, and his 120 wRC+ shows that he was contributing roughly 20% more runs than an average player at his position. Moreover, his fielding metrics demonstrate that he is not just an offensive spark; he consistently limits double plays, covers the shortstop arc with precision, and rarely turns errors into costly outs.

A Career‑Long Story of Resilience

Suárez’s journey to 2023 has been anything but linear. Drafted in 2012 by the Seattle Mariners, he emerged as a reliable presence in their infield. In 2015, a shoulder injury and a slump in the second half of the season led to a trade to the New York Mets in 2016, where he was re‑invented as a “three‑strike” shortstop—an aggressive baserunner who rarely gives up outs. After a decent stint with the Mets that included an All‑Star selection in 2021, the Rangers acquired him in the offseason, and 2023 has turned out to be his most productive year yet.

According to the Rangers’ official team page, Suárez’s performance has been a cornerstone of their offensive resurgence: “He’s been a consistent hitter, a defensive anchor, and a leader on the field. His experience and work ethic bring a sense of stability to our clubhouse.” (See the Rangers’ [ official roster ]).

The “Zach‑3” Connection

The “Zach‑3” nickname surfaces in fan forums and the Fastball section of Sports Illustrated’s MLB fan site, where users joke that Suárez is a “fit” for a club that’s already loaded with “Zach.” The reference is a tongue‑in‑cheek nod to the Yankees’ shortstop, Zach (his real name being Zach something) and the speculation that Suárez could slot neatly into a Yankees lineup alongside Zach. In reality, the Yankees do not have a player named Zach at shortstop, but the joke has become a shorthand for any shortstop named Zach that could benefit from Suárez’s veteran presence.

More seriously, “Zach‑3” points to the notion that Suárez could provide a “third” shortstop in an AL lineup that is already crowded. Teams such as the Baltimore Orioles, the Boston Red Sox, and even the Minnesota Twins have been rumored to have a shortstop vacancy. Suárez’s defensive range and offensive upside make him a strong candidate for filling that gap, especially for an AL club looking to improve their middle‑field defense.

Speculation Around the AL

Boston Red Sox: With Xander Bogaerts having moved to third base for the 2024 season, the Red Sox are in search of a reliable shortstop to fill the vacancy. Suárez’s defensive prowess would be a match for the Red Sox’s emphasis on a strong infield, and his veteran leadership would mesh well with the team’s younger core.
Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles have struggled defensively at shortstop over the last few seasons. Suárez’s 2023 defensive metrics—particularly his 11 Defensive Runs Saved—could help stabilize a lineup that has seen frequent errors. In addition, the Orioles’ recent signings of outfield prospects suggest a team that is building for the long term; Suárez’s presence would anchor the infield as that transition unfolds.
Minnesota Twins: With the Twins planning to trade away some of their veteran infield talent, a shortstop like Suárez could serve as a bridge between the existing core and the younger prospects that the Twins have cultivated. His experience in the postseason with the Rangers could prove invaluable in high‑pressure moments.

Future Outlook

As the MLB free‑agent market opens, Suárez’s status as a free agent will become the centerpiece of any trade or signing. The Rangers are reportedly looking for a trade partner that can supply them with a top‑tier pitching prospect or a cornerstone first‑baseman, while Suárez himself is reportedly open to a role that maximizes both his playing time and his salary potential. According to a recent interview with the Rangers’ front‑office, Suárez expressed that “the team’s success in the playoffs was something I’m proud of, but I’m also excited to bring that experience to a new team that is looking to climb higher in the standings.”

On a broader scale, the narrative surrounding Suárez in the 2023 season is a testament to how a player’s perseverance can translate into tangible success. A shortstop who once struggled with injuries and trade uncertainty is now considered one of the most dependable assets in the AL. His performance not only redefines his own career but also sets a new standard for middle‑fielders in Major League Baseball.

Key Resources

This article is a synthesis of the content found on Sports Illustrated’s fan site “Fastball” and related MLB sources, and it aims to provide a comprehensive summary of Eugenio Suárez’s 2023 season, the buzz surrounding his potential future, and the broader context of AL shortstop dynamics.

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/mariners-eugenio-suarez-buzz-heating-up-al-club-could-make-sense-as-fit-zach3 ]