Hear From Eugenio Suarez on What It Means to Be with the D-backs
Eugenio Suarez is the Diamondbacks' new third baseman. He came via an off-season trade with the Seattle Mariners that involved backup catcher Seby Zavala and pitching prospect Carlos Vargas. The D-backs had endured multiple years of awful third base play ever since trading Eduardo Escobar in the 2021 season. Arizona saw that it was the biggest hole on the position player side and GM Mike Hazen went out and made it his first task.
Suarez said he was on vacation with his family when he was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was completely unexpected. He spoke on how it feels to be the team's new third baseman.
"It means a lot. To me, it's a lot. To just understand that they think of me and bring me here because they need me there, that means a lot to me. This moment in my career, I feel grateful for everything that God has given to me and this organization has given me an opportunity to come here and help them to win the World Series and be there every day for me...That means a lot."
The 32-year-old third baseman had another strong season for the Mariners last year. He played in all 162 games and hit 29 doubles, 22 homers, 96 RBI, two stolen bases, 70 walks, but also tallied a league-leading 214 strikeouts.
With his great power comes plenty of swing-and-miss that has caused him to lead his league in strikeouts in three of the past five seasons. However, the payoff is that he has popped 148 home runs during that time and played in almost every game.
This spring, Suarez has settled in nicely with his new ballclub and teammates. "The way they treat me is a lot for me. I already feel like they are a part of my family. They got really good energy here. We feel like we are a family in the clubhouse and on the field and in practice... We communicate... I feel happy to be apart of this team."
Suarez is known for his "Good Vibes Only" personality and his clubhouse ability to be a positive and encouraging influence. "I'm always happy. I enjoy this game so much. This game has given me a lot. I got to give something back, my energy, my good vibes, like I always say, be happy. Try to inject that good vibes into the boys. This game is tough but at the same time, you got to enjoy it....Just play the game and enjoy it."
While he encountered some left-side soreness soon after appearing in his first couple of Spring Training games, it turned out to be a very mild case of soreness and he returned with aplomb.
In his first game back on Tuesday, Suarez nuked a three-run shot to put the D-backs up for good against the Padres. He's been true to his approach so far. Over four games and eight plate appearances, Suarez has three hits, a double, a homer, three RBI, a walk, and three strikeouts.
Suarez spoke about his moonshot homer that traveled 422 feet. "I mean I feel great, after a few days off...My first couple of swings of the game were a little bit late but I worked on making my adjustments and I took a walk in my first at-bat...On my homer, I was ready for a fastball, I tried to just put the ball in play... I got the opportunity to be aggressive and put my best swing on it."
Suarez made mention of how he felt after the game in terms of his health and how he managed to play as many games as he did. Over the last five seasons, he's appeared in 673 of a possible 708 games.
"It was the left side...just a little bit tired on the left side. I just got to be smart and be careful. I don't want to hurt my body. But that's why I took a few days off and feel a 100% to be back on the field...I don't feel anything on my left side."
On not missing games, he said "Be healthy, I pray for that every day. God got me, got my back and I know that if I feel my body 100%, I'll be there. I like to play. Keep my body in shape, my mind is positive every time, and try to play as many games as I can. I like to play, I like to compete. I like to be there every day... I feel happy to be back."
