New team threatens Cubs' chase of Eugenio Suarez ahead of trade deadline

If the Chicago Cubs are going to pry Eugenio Suarez away from the Arizona Diamondbacks, it won't be easy as there is no guarantee that the Diamondbacks will be sellers at the deadline. Even if the Diamondbacks are willing to move Suarez, he's the most coveted bat on the trade market. The New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, and Detroit Tigers all have interest in Suarez, and a new team has entered the mix.

Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reports that the Diamondbacks have already had trade talks with the Seattle Mariners about a deal involving Suarez.

"Industry sources familiar with the club’s plans say the Mariners and Diamondbacks have engaged in preliminary discussions about Suarez, a candidate for the National League MVP whose 36 home runs this season trail only the 38 homers from the Mariners’ Cal Raleigh."

Surprise team steps in to challenge Cubs for Eugenio Suarez deal

By all accounts, the Cubs want to remain involved in the sweepstakes for Suarez up until the deadline, but it's important to note that adding a third baseman isn't the priority move for the front office.

Adding a starting pitcher is the priority, and the Cubs likely won't be willing to part with any prospect who could be in a deal for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. That could put the Cubs behind the Mariners and Yankees, in terms of motivation, considering each of those teams has a stronger need for offense.

As much as Suarez would lengthen the Cubs' lineup, giving them an impact power bat that can hit in the middle of the lineup, scoring runs isn't going to be an issue for the Cubs between now and the end of the season. That is why Suarez is nothing but a luxury target for the Cubs with the deadline approaching.

Circumstances could change, and the Cubs could enter next week with Suarez being more of a priority. That said, there still will be a need for pitching, and any deadline move they make must first bring stability to a pitching staff that needs potentially two starting pitchers and another high-leverage relief pitcher.

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