Mariners' firm contract limits all but ensure Eugenio Suárez's 2nd exit from Seattle

At the time of Eugenio Suárez's grand slam in the bottom of the eighth during Game 5 of the AL Championship Series versus the Blue Jays, it was the biggest hit in Mariners franchise history. However, aside from ultimately being irrelevant (in a manner of speaking), it was also one of few memorable moments from his second tenure in Seattle.

This is not to imply the Mariners were wrong to bring Suárez back at the July 31 trade deadline, as some might claim with that wonderful benefit of hindsight. He was having a tremendous season in Arizona and was the type of clubhouse leader the Mariners needed, as ownership went all-in on improving the roster for their assault on a first World Series berth.

Not the same version of Eugenio Suárez this time around

Still, just because of what Suárez did (or didn't do) after his return to Seattle, this understandably has the Mariners hesitant about re-signing him. As SoDo Mojo's Temayne Person wrote last week, in a cold data-driven reality the numbers back up the eye test that the two-time All-Star isn't just what he used to be, highlighted by aspects such as his in-zone contact falling below his career norm.

In an ideal world the Mariners would still like to have Suárez back just because of what he means to the team, but it becomes even more unlikely when you throw money into the equation. He is a free agent for the first time in his Major League career and quite rightly is seeking a big payday.

However, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times is of the opinion that the Mariners won't give Suárez more than two years on any offer they might make, and are unlikely to go beyond more than $12-15 million per season. No matter how much he loves his teammates and the city of Seattle, this is his one opportunity to cash in and he stands to make more than Divish's projected offer by the M's.

Mariners right to stick to their guns both financially and otherwise

ESPN has Suárez projected at two years for $45 million, MLB trade rumors at three years for $63 million, and The Athletic most optimistically at three years for $72 million. These valuations are fine in their own right, but clearly also well beyond two years and $30 million (at the most) from the Mariners.

In any event, the Mariners have more than one good excuse to hold firm. Even if you set aside how Suárez played for them this season, do they really want to spend big money on a power-only player at T-Mobile Park? The answer is ultimately more than likely no.

As such, pending any new signings, you should expect the M's to roll with a Ben Williamson versus Colt Emerson battle in spring training for the third base position. All told, as much as Suárez will be missed by plenty of people in Seattle, it's slightly easier to say goodbye the second time around.