{"id":145207,"date":"2026-01-25T23:45:22","date_gmt":"2026-01-25T23:45:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=145207"},"modified":"2026-01-25T23:45:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-25T23:45:22","slug":"%f0%9f%94%a5-free-agency-pressure-builds-the-boston-red-sox-are-now-being-mentioned-alongside-two-other-teams-that-simply-cannot-afford-to-ignore-eugenio-suarez-as-free-agency-heats-up-insiders-sugg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=145207","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udd25 FREE AGENCY PRESSURE BUILDS: The Boston Red Sox are now being mentioned alongside two other teams that simply cannot afford to ignore Eugenio Su\u00e1rez as free agency heats up. Insiders suggest this is not casual interest, but a situation where urgency, fit, and timing may collide in ways that reshape multiple infields fast."},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"398\" data-end=\"501\"><strong data-start=\"398\" data-end=\"501\">The Boston Red Sox have been active this offseason, but activity alone does not equal completeness.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"503\" data-end=\"615\"><strong data-start=\"503\" data-end=\"615\">Despite several notable transactions, one glaring weakness remains unresolved as the 2026 season approaches.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"617\" data-end=\"632\"><strong data-start=\"617\" data-end=\"632\">Third base.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"617\" data-end=\"632\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/heavy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2241718877-e1768228552368.jpg?quality=65&amp;strip=all&amp;w=780\" alt=\"Red Sox Linked to 49-Home Run Star After Losing Alex Bregman\" \/><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"634\" data-end=\"637\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"639\" data-end=\"783\"><strong data-start=\"639\" data-end=\"783\">Boston made waves earlier in the winter by trading for <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Willson Contreras<\/span><\/span> from the <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">St. Louis Cardinals<\/span><\/span>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"785\" data-end=\"926\"><strong data-start=\"785\" data-end=\"926\">They followed that move by acquiring veteran pitcher <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Sonny Gray<\/span><\/span> in a separate deal with the same organization.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"928\" data-end=\"1090\"><strong data-start=\"928\" data-end=\"1090\">The most impactful signing came when the Red Sox landed left-hander <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Ranger Su\u00e1rez<\/span><\/span> away from the <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Philadelphia Phillies<\/span><\/span>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1092\" data-end=\"1095\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"1097\" data-end=\"1190\"><strong data-start=\"1097\" data-end=\"1190\">As a result, Boston\u2019s rotation now looks deeper and more formidable than it has in years.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1192\" data-end=\"1427\"><strong data-start=\"1192\" data-end=\"1427\">With <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Garrett Crochet<\/span><\/span>, Ranger Su\u00e1rez, <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Brayan Bello<\/span><\/span>, and Sonny Gray anchoring the staff, the Red Sox finally appear capable of matching up with elite pitching across the American League.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1429\" data-end=\"1477\"><em data-start=\"1429\" data-end=\"1477\">But pitching alone does not win championships.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1479\" data-end=\"1482\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"1484\" data-end=\"1572\"><strong data-start=\"1484\" data-end=\"1572\">While the rotation has been fortified, the infield tells a far more troubling story.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1574\" data-end=\"1639\"><strong data-start=\"1574\" data-end=\"1639\">The Red Sox head into 2026 with a massive void at third base.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1641\" data-end=\"1680\"><strong data-start=\"1641\" data-end=\"1680\">That void did not appear overnight.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1682\" data-end=\"1774\"><strong data-start=\"1682\" data-end=\"1774\">It is the result of a series of miscalculations that continue to haunt the organization.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1776\" data-end=\"1779\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"1781\" data-end=\"1918\"><strong data-start=\"1781\" data-end=\"1918\">Less than a year ago, Boston had both <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Rafael Devers<\/span><\/span> and <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Alex Bregman<\/span><\/span> under contract.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1920\" data-end=\"1947\"><strong data-start=\"1920\" data-end=\"1947\">Now, they have neither.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1949\" data-end=\"1952\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"1954\" data-end=\"2089\"><strong data-start=\"1954\" data-end=\"2089\">The Red Sox believed Bregman would deliver elite defense, veteran leadership, and a right-handed swing tailor-made for Fenway Park.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2091\" data-end=\"2144\"><strong data-start=\"2091\" data-end=\"2144\">On the field, that belief proved largely correct.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2146\" data-end=\"2281\"><strong data-start=\"2146\" data-end=\"2281\">Bregman performed as advertised, with the lone exception being a quad injury that sidelined him for nearly a quarter of the season.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2283\" data-end=\"2286\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"2288\" data-end=\"2359\"><strong data-start=\"2288\" data-end=\"2359\">However, after the season ended, Bregman opted out of his contract.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2361\" data-end=\"2441\"><strong data-start=\"2361\" data-end=\"2441\">He quickly signed a new deal with the <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Chicago Cubs<\/span><\/span>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2443\" data-end=\"2476\"><strong data-start=\"2443\" data-end=\"2476\">Boston was left empty-handed.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2478\" data-end=\"2481\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"2483\" data-end=\"2531\"><strong data-start=\"2483\" data-end=\"2531\">The Devers situation was even more damaging.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2533\" data-end=\"2613\"><strong data-start=\"2533\" data-end=\"2613\">The Red Sox assumed Devers would seamlessly transition to designated hitter.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2615\" data-end=\"2680\"><strong data-start=\"2615\" data-end=\"2680\">They advised him to, in their words, \u201cthrow your glove away.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2682\" data-end=\"2685\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"2687\" data-end=\"2807\"><strong data-start=\"2687\" data-end=\"2807\">General manager <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Craig Breslow<\/span><\/span> either underestimated or ignored the impact of that message.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2809\" data-end=\"2859\"><strong data-start=\"2809\" data-end=\"2859\">In doing so, Boston alienated its best player.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2861\" data-end=\"2923\"><strong data-start=\"2861\" data-end=\"2923\">What followed was a public and private breakdown in trust.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2925\" data-end=\"2928\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"2930\" data-end=\"3079\"><strong data-start=\"2930\" data-end=\"3079\">The situation escalated further when Devers refused to play first base after an injury to the struggling <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Triston Casas<\/span><\/span>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3081\" data-end=\"3174\"><strong data-start=\"3081\" data-end=\"3174\">Owner <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">John Henry<\/span><\/span> personally attempted to smooth things over.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3176\" data-end=\"3204\"><strong data-start=\"3176\" data-end=\"3204\">His intervention failed.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3176\" data-end=\"3204\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wp.clutchpoints.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Playoffs-Seattle-Mariners-at-Toronto-Blue-Jays.jpg?w=1200\" alt=\"Red Sox rumors: Boston's possible Eugenio Suarez pursuit has 'very little  traction'\" \/><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3206\" data-end=\"3209\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"3211\" data-end=\"3300\"><strong data-start=\"3211\" data-end=\"3300\">Ultimately, the Red Sox traded Devers to the <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">San Francisco Giants<\/span><\/span>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3302\" data-end=\"3352\"><strong data-start=\"3302\" data-end=\"3352\">The return was widely viewed as underwhelming.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3354\" data-end=\"3425\"><strong data-start=\"3354\" data-end=\"3425\">Boston had gone from having two elite third basemen to having none.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3427\" data-end=\"3430\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3432\" data-end=\"3488\"><strong data-start=\"3436\" data-end=\"3488\">Why Eugenio Su\u00e1rez Fits Boston\u2019s Immediate Needs<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3490\" data-end=\"3542\"><strong data-start=\"3490\" data-end=\"3542\">As the 2026 season looms, the solution is clear.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3544\" data-end=\"3623\"><strong data-start=\"3544\" data-end=\"3623\">The Red Sox must pursue free agent <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Eugenio Su\u00e1rez<\/span><\/span>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3625\" data-end=\"3628\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"3630\" data-end=\"3666\"><strong data-start=\"3630\" data-end=\"3666\">Boston needs right-handed power.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3668\" data-end=\"3709\"><strong data-start=\"3668\" data-end=\"3709\">Boston needs stability at third base.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3711\" data-end=\"3793\"><strong data-start=\"3711\" data-end=\"3793\">Boston needs a veteran who can handle pressure, expectations, and Fenway Park.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3795\" data-end=\"3829\"><strong data-start=\"3795\" data-end=\"3829\">Su\u00e1rez checks all three boxes.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3831\" data-end=\"3834\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"3836\" data-end=\"3905\"><strong data-start=\"3836\" data-end=\"3905\">Su\u00e1rez is 34 years old, but his bat remains as dangerous as ever.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3907\" data-end=\"4066\"><strong data-start=\"3907\" data-end=\"4066\">Last season, split between the <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Arizona Diamondbacks<\/span><\/span> and the <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Seattle Mariners<\/span><\/span>, he blasted a combined 49 home runs.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4068\" data-end=\"4129\"><strong data-start=\"4068\" data-end=\"4129\">That total alone would instantly reshape Boston\u2019s lineup.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4131\" data-end=\"4134\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"4136\" data-end=\"4238\"><strong data-start=\"4136\" data-end=\"4238\">Earlier in his career, Su\u00e1rez was a more balanced hitter, regularly batting between .250 and .280.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4240\" data-end=\"4275\"><strong data-start=\"4240\" data-end=\"4275\">That version of Su\u00e1rez is gone.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4277\" data-end=\"4328\"><strong data-start=\"4277\" data-end=\"4328\">What remains is a pure, all-or-nothing slugger.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4330\" data-end=\"4333\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"4335\" data-end=\"4378\"><strong data-start=\"4335\" data-end=\"4378\">In 2025, Su\u00e1rez slashed .228\/.298\/.526.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4380\" data-end=\"4405\"><strong data-start=\"4380\" data-end=\"4405\">He drove in 118 runs.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4407\" data-end=\"4440\"><strong data-start=\"4407\" data-end=\"4440\">He also struck out 196 times.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4442\" data-end=\"4479\"><strong data-start=\"4442\" data-end=\"4479\">In 2023, he struck out 214 times.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4481\" data-end=\"4484\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"4486\" data-end=\"4534\"><strong data-start=\"4486\" data-end=\"4534\">For some teams, that profile is unappealing.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4536\" data-end=\"4569\"><strong data-start=\"4536\" data-end=\"4569\">For Boston, it is intriguing.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4571\" data-end=\"4574\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"4576\" data-end=\"4633\"><strong data-start=\"4576\" data-end=\"4633\">The Red Sox front office is heavily analytics-driven.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4635\" data-end=\"4689\"><strong data-start=\"4635\" data-end=\"4689\">They value power, run creation, and lineup impact.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4691\" data-end=\"4774\"><strong data-start=\"4691\" data-end=\"4774\">A player capable of hitting 40-plus home runs at Fenway Park is hard to ignore.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4776\" data-end=\"4779\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"4781\" data-end=\"4863\"><strong data-start=\"4781\" data-end=\"4863\">Su\u00e1rez has also demonstrated an ability to handle Boston\u2019s unique environment.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4865\" data-end=\"4932\"><strong data-start=\"4865\" data-end=\"4932\">In 44 career plate appearances at Fenway Park, he has hit .425.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4934\" data-end=\"4969\"><strong data-start=\"4934\" data-end=\"4969\">He has launched four home runs.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4971\" data-end=\"5000\"><strong data-start=\"4971\" data-end=\"5000\">He has driven in 14 runs.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5002\" data-end=\"5005\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"5007\" data-end=\"5036\"><strong data-start=\"5007\" data-end=\"5036\">The sample size is small.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5038\" data-end=\"5084\"><strong data-start=\"5038\" data-end=\"5084\">But the results are impossible to dismiss.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5086\" data-end=\"5089\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"5091\" data-end=\"5124\"><strong data-start=\"5091\" data-end=\"5124\">Defensively, Su\u00e1rez is solid.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5126\" data-end=\"5163\"><strong data-start=\"5126\" data-end=\"5163\">He is not elite like Bregman was.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5165\" data-end=\"5241\"><strong data-start=\"5165\" data-end=\"5241\">But he is far more reliable at third base than Devers ever proved to be.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5243\" data-end=\"5246\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"5248\" data-end=\"5294\"><strong data-start=\"5252\" data-end=\"5294\">The Internal Alternative and Its Risks<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5296\" data-end=\"5411\"><strong data-start=\"5296\" data-end=\"5411\">If Boston does not sign Su\u00e1rez, the responsibility will likely fall to <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Marcelo Mayer<\/span><\/span>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5413\" data-end=\"5444\"><strong data-start=\"5413\" data-end=\"5444\">Mayer is just 22 years old.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5446\" data-end=\"5552\"><strong data-start=\"5446\" data-end=\"5552\">He flashed excellent defense and promising offensive potential last season before suffering an injury.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5554\" data-end=\"5557\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"5559\" data-end=\"5582\"><strong data-start=\"5559\" data-end=\"5582\">The talent is real.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5584\" data-end=\"5611\"><strong data-start=\"5584\" data-end=\"5611\">The upside is enticing.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5613\" data-end=\"5639\"><strong data-start=\"5613\" data-end=\"5639\">The experience is not.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5641\" data-end=\"5644\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"5646\" data-end=\"5714\"><strong data-start=\"5646\" data-end=\"5714\">Relying on Mayer as the primary third baseman would be a gamble.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5716\" data-end=\"5783\"><strong data-start=\"5716\" data-end=\"5783\">For a team attempting to contend, that gamble may be too large.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5785\" data-end=\"5788\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"5790\" data-end=\"5835\"><strong data-start=\"5794\" data-end=\"5835\">Other Teams That Should Pursue Su\u00e1rez<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5837\" data-end=\"5877\"><strong data-start=\"5837\" data-end=\"5877\">Boston is not alone in its interest.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5879\" data-end=\"5944\"><strong data-start=\"5879\" data-end=\"5944\">Two other organizations stand out as logical fits for Su\u00e1rez.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5946\" data-end=\"5949\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"5951\" data-end=\"6037\"><strong data-start=\"5951\" data-end=\"6037\">The <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Seattle Mariners<\/span><\/span> saw firsthand what Su\u00e1rez can provide.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6039\" data-end=\"6123\"><strong data-start=\"6039\" data-end=\"6123\">After acquiring him at the trade deadline, Seattle got exactly what it expected.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6125\" data-end=\"6128\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"6130\" data-end=\"6192\"><strong data-start=\"6130\" data-end=\"6192\">In 53 games, Su\u00e1rez hit 13 home runs and drove in 31 runs.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6194\" data-end=\"6238\"><strong data-start=\"6194\" data-end=\"6238\">However, his slash line raised concerns.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6240\" data-end=\"6269\"><strong data-start=\"6240\" data-end=\"6269\">He batted .189\/.255\/.428.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6271\" data-end=\"6323\"><strong data-start=\"6271\" data-end=\"6323\">He struck out 79 times in 220 plate appearances.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6325\" data-end=\"6328\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"6330\" data-end=\"6396\"><strong data-start=\"6330\" data-end=\"6396\">Despite those numbers, Su\u00e1rez delivered when it mattered most.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6398\" data-end=\"6524\"><strong data-start=\"6398\" data-end=\"6524\">In the American League Championship Series against the <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Toronto Blue Jays<\/span><\/span>, he slashed .308\/.379\/.577.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6526\" data-end=\"6567\"><strong data-start=\"6526\" data-end=\"6567\">He added two home runs and seven RBI.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6569\" data-end=\"6572\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"6574\" data-end=\"6650\"><strong data-start=\"6574\" data-end=\"6650\">That postseason performance reinforced his value as a big-moment hitter.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6652\" data-end=\"6655\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"6657\" data-end=\"6744\"><strong data-start=\"6657\" data-end=\"6744\">The <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Pittsburgh Pirates<\/span><\/span> also make sense as a dark-horse suitor.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6746\" data-end=\"6803\"><strong data-start=\"6746\" data-end=\"6803\">The Pirates rarely engage in free-agent bidding wars.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6805\" data-end=\"6847\"><strong data-start=\"6805\" data-end=\"6847\">But this offseason has been different.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6805\" data-end=\"6847\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/braRgClU.x1wN0XapjmRvA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTM2MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/clutchpoints_articles_939\/3738de05a2b20a3d1ec41feb94d4d4d3\" alt=\"Red Sox and 2 teams that must pursue Eugenio Suarez in free agency - Yahoo  Sports\" \/><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6849\" data-end=\"6852\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"6854\" data-end=\"6932\"><strong data-start=\"6854\" data-end=\"6932\">They have already added <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Brandon Lowe<\/span><\/span> via trade.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6934\" data-end=\"7005\"><strong data-start=\"6934\" data-end=\"7005\">They signed <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Ryan O&#8217;Hearn<\/span><\/span> in free agency.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"7007\" data-end=\"7010\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"7012\" data-end=\"7098\"><strong data-start=\"7012\" data-end=\"7098\">With a young, talented pitching staff in place, Pittsburgh could surprise in 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7100\" data-end=\"7176\"><strong data-start=\"7100\" data-end=\"7176\">Adding a power bat like Su\u00e1rez would significantly elevate that ceiling.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"7178\" data-end=\"7181\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"7183\" data-end=\"7207\"><strong data-start=\"7187\" data-end=\"7207\">Final Assessment<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"7209\" data-end=\"7284\"><strong data-start=\"7209\" data-end=\"7284\">The Red Sox cannot enter the 2026 season without addressing third base.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7286\" data-end=\"7357\"><strong data-start=\"7286\" data-end=\"7357\">They have already paid the price for mismanagement at the position.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7359\" data-end=\"7405\"><strong data-start=\"7359\" data-end=\"7405\">They cannot afford to repeat that mistake.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"7407\" data-end=\"7410\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"7412\" data-end=\"7446\"><strong data-start=\"7412\" data-end=\"7446\">Eugenio Su\u00e1rez is not perfect.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7448\" data-end=\"7476\"><strong data-start=\"7448\" data-end=\"7476\">He strikes out too much.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7478\" data-end=\"7512\"><strong data-start=\"7478\" data-end=\"7512\">He is on the wrong side of 30.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"7514\" data-end=\"7517\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"7519\" data-end=\"7573\"><strong data-start=\"7519\" data-end=\"7573\">But he offers exactly what Boston needs right now.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7575\" data-end=\"7585\"><strong data-start=\"7575\" data-end=\"7585\">Power.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7587\" data-end=\"7602\"><strong data-start=\"7587\" data-end=\"7602\">Experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7604\" data-end=\"7618\"><strong data-start=\"7604\" data-end=\"7618\">Stability.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"7620\" data-end=\"7623\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"7625\" data-end=\"7714\"><strong data-start=\"7625\" data-end=\"7714\">If the Red Sox are serious about contending in 2026, pursuing Su\u00e1rez is not optional.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7716\" data-end=\"7736\"><strong data-start=\"7716\" data-end=\"7736\">It is necessary.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7738\" data-end=\"7788\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><strong data-start=\"7738\" data-end=\"7788\" data-is-last-node=\"\">And if Boston hesitates, other teams will not.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Boston Red Sox have been active this offseason, but activity alone does not equal completeness. Despite several notable transactions, one glaring weakness remains unresolved as the&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":145208,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-145207","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>\ud83d\udd25 FREE AGENCY PRESSURE BUILDS: The Boston Red Sox are now being mentioned alongside two other teams that simply cannot afford to ignore Eugenio Su\u00e1rez as free agency heats up. 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