© Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Eugenio Suarez off to Hot Starts for Diamondbacks
Two of the key off season acquisitions are already paying off for Arizona
During the 2023-24 off-season the Diamondbacks made significant investments to beef up their roster in an atttempt to get back to the postseason and the world series. Yesterday Michael McDermott reported on how owner Ken Kendrick gave the green light for spending to General Manager Mike Hazen and the baseball operations group. Two of those additions, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Eugenio Suarez have gotten off to hot starts through the first three games of the season.
Gurriel , who became a fan favorite last year, was brought back to the team on a three year, $42 million dollar contract. That followed a solid season in which he batted .261 with 24 homers and 82 RBI. He also played excellent defense, tallied 3.0 WAR, and made the 2023 All-Star team.
Gurriel has been on fire to start the season. He's now homered in each of the first three games of 2024. He is the first Diamondback in franchise history to do that. Overall he's batting 6-for-13, .486, with a double, three homers, and eight RBI.. Speaking through translator Alex Arpiza, last night after the game if he was aware he had set a franchise record, a humble Gurriel acknowledged that he did.
"They did mention it to me. Just really happy [for the] personal achievement, something that hadn't happened for a long time, so happy"
Suarez, meanwhile is off to a scalding start of his own. The veteran third basemen was acquired in November by trading two minor leaguers to the Seattle Mariners, thus filling a void at the position. Last year the D-backs production from third base ranked among the worst in MLB, and Mike Hazen pounced quickly at the opportunity to get a veteran power hitter with a good defensive reputation. More than that, Suarez is known to be a tremendous positive influence in the clubhouse, with his trademark "Good Vibes Only" motto, which he exudes on a daily basis.
So far he is six-for 11, .545 in three games, with a homer and four RBI. He's collected two hits in each of the three games. His shining defense has been on display as well. He made a highlight reel catch in the home opener to save two runs, and has been smooth all around with the glove.
Suarez is under contract this year for $11 million with a team option for $15 million for 2025, or a $2 million buyout. The Diamondbacks surely hope he will continue to perform well, making the exercising of the option a forgone conclusion.
