SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- How respected and beloved is Eugenio Suárez around baseball? He's been acquired twice by two different clubs during his career and leaves "good vibes only" in his wake after departing all of his previous teams.
The Reds became the second team to get a second act with Suárez when they signed the free agent to a one-year, $15 million contract on Feb. 3. He previously played for the Reds from 2015-21 and hit 189 home runs.
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker finished his playing career with the Reds in 2015, the same year Suárez began with Cincinnati after being traded from the Tigers. Although the Venezuelan's English was far from perfect, it didn't take long for Suárez to cultivate his reputation as a uniter.
“The best. There’s a handful of teammates you could say that about," Schumaker said. "One of the top teammates I’ve had. … He’s infectious, someone you want to have around for 162 games. … The great thing about him is he would go into any group."
March 14, 2022: Suárez traded from the Reds to the Mariners
During Spring Training 2018, the Reds signed Suarez to a seven-year, $66 million extension and he went on to an All-Star year that season and then slugged a career-high 49 homers in 2019. After the 2021 season, Cincinnati began a teardown and rebuild period and during '22 Spring Training, Suárez and Jesse Winker were traded to Seattle for four players.
While tearful about departing the Reds, Suárez quickly made an impact for Seattle.
"One of my favorite guys who’s ever put on a Mariners uniform," Mariners president Jerry Dipoto said.
Suárez hit 31 homers that first season for Seattle, which won 90 games and earned an American League Wild Card berth before being eliminated in the AL Division Series. His production dipped in 2023, with 22 homers, but the third baseman still played all 162 games.
“He’s as good at bringing people together as anybody you’re ever going to be around. He’s fun, he’s funny. Geno’s never had a bad day," Dipoto said. "He’d go 0-for-4 and you’d never know it by the time he walks out to go home that night, or the next day when he comes back. He can take his 2-for-20 and it seems like most guys would be hanging their head. He shows up the next day and goes about his business.
"I think it’s a great example, at any point, to watch a guy who’s had an irreputable awesome career and that’s the way you deal with it. He lives in the moment as much as any single player I’ve ever experienced."
Nov. 22, 2023: Suárez traded to Arizona
Dipoto, known for being a frequent wheeler and dealer, traded Suárez to the Diamondbacks after the '23 season. Arizona won 89 games in 2024 and missed the playoffs as Suárez hit 30 homers with 101 RBIs.
Manager Torey Louvullo was impressed with Suárez's ability to lead.
“When he speaks, people listen," Louvullo said. "You put down your glove. You put down your bat. And in my case, you put down your pen and you listen. I was honored to be around him.”
Suárez reached his second All-Star Game while with Arizona in '25. On April 26, he became only the 19th player in Major League history to hit four homers in one game.
“He’s one of the guys that you want in your clubhouse," Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said. "He’s completely focused on winning, is very giving to the younger players, and he’s the ultimate pro that you would want to have on your team. And he’s probably going to hit 50 home runs, so that’s good, too.”
July 31, 2025: Traded back to Seattle
The Diamondbacks were headed to a non-playoff season when Hazen dealt Suárez to the contending Mariners at the Trade Deadline for three players. As it worked out, the D-backs were in Sacramento to play the A's just after the Mariners endured a deflating loss on July 31.
Without explanation, initially, the Seattle team charter flight sat idle on the tarmac for nearly an hour. Then the big surprise came when Suarez boarded the plane with his old/new teammates. Players roared with excitement and Suárez hugged every single player and staff member.
Although Suárez's numbers dipped after the trade, he still went on to tie his career-high with 49 homers. In the AL Championship Series, he hit a thrilling grand slam in Game 5 vs. the Blue Jays.
“You don’t play as long as he’s played and accomplished what he’s accomplished in his career. Played in All-Star Games, hitting 300 homers, he’s been in the postseason," Dipoto said. "Geno is one of those players where you don’t appreciate him as much as you should unless he’s been in your clubhouse.”
Current Reds who did not experience Suárez the first time are learning that quickly.
"It’s going to take pressure off guys and let them just go out and be themselves," outfielder/infielder Spencer Steer said. "Then you obviously hear about the person and how great he is in the clubhouse and the teammate that he is.”