The Arizona Diamondbacks have lofty ambitions for the remainder of 2024. With a National League title to defend, Arizona has its sights set on playing deep into October once more.
The D-backs are on fire in the second half, playing to a 17-5 record since the All-Star break. Third baseman Eugenio Suarez has played a huge role in that, slugging seven home runs with a .957 OPS since July 19.
While Arizona will be more than content to play out the rest of the season with Suarez at third base, the 33-year-old is in his final season of a $66 million contract. Even with his recent hot streak, his season numbers aren't great, and he's never been a premium defender.
Though the Diamondbacks have a team option for Suarez in 2025, one insider believes it is all but certain that will be declined. And that could mean Arizona pursues a certain two-time World Series champion in free agency.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic theorized Monday on Fair Territory that the Diamondbacks could be a top landing spot for Alex Bregman of the Houston Astros in free agency this winter.
“The Diamondbacks, yes, to replace Eugenio Suarez,” Rosenthal said. "(Bregman is) still an above-average offensive player, and of course, a consistent player overall."
Bregman, 30, isn't having his best offensive season either. However, his numbers still stack up favorably compared to Suarez's. Bregman has a .754 OPS, 112 OPS+, and 2.3 wins above replacement for Houston this season.
At his peak, Bregman was one of the best third basemen in the sport. He was an All-Star in 2018 and 2019, including a runner-up MVP finish in the latter season. He also amassed 37.8 career WAR before the end of his age-30 season, positioning him for future Hall of Fame discussions.
While he isn't having the free-agent year he may have hoped for, Bregman is sure to be a top option for teams looking for third base help. And the Diamondbacks certainly appear to be one of those teams.
But will Bregman prefer to stay in Houston? Will either team prioritize him in their offseason negotiations? These are plot lines that will continue to develop as the winter grows closer.
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