Report: Nationals, Reds have discussed Suarez trade
The Washington Nationals have spoken to the Cincinnati Reds about trading for former All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suarez, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.
A deal isn't considered imminent, according to Heyman.
The Nationals have earmarked right-handers Jackson Rutledge and Cade Cavalli, and infielder Luis Garcia as three prospects they're unwilling to deal, according to Heyman. Rutledge and Cavalli are respectively ranked as the Nats' No. 1 and 2 prospects by MLB.com, while Garcia made his big-league debut this summer.
Suarez, the Reds' primary third baseman since 2016, saw his slash line dip to .202/.312/.470 last season, though he still led the team in home runs (15) and RBIs (38). The 29-year-old has a penchant for striking out but remains a dependable power bat with a pair of 30-homer seasons. In 2019, he crushed 49 home runs with a career-best .930 OPS and received down-ballot MVP votes.
Suarez is owed $45.5 million through the end of his contract in 2024. The deal, which he signed in 2018, also contains a $15-million club option in 2025 with a $2-million buyout.
The Nationals could use an upgrade at third base, a glaring hole for the team in 2020. Top prospect Carter Kieboom took over at the hot corner after Anthony Rendon departed in free agency but struggled mightily in his first turn as an everyday big leaguer, posting a .556 OPS with just one extra-base hit in 33 games.