Yankees insider's latest Eugenio Suárez update is massive news for Mariners

In theory, the Seattle Mariners are facing some stiff competition in their pursuit of Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez. But Seattle fans have some cause to relax right now, as one of the other interested parties might not be all that serious just yet.

This is the New York Yankees, at least according to Jack Curry of the YES Network. He touched on the Yankees' rumored interest in Suárez after last night's broadcast of their win over the Toronto Blue Jays, remarking that the club has "not had substantive conversations" about the slugger with Arizona.

Lest anyone get too excited, the Mariners still have to worry about the Chicago Cubs. They should also keep an eye on the New York Mets, who ESPN's Jeff Passan floated as a possibility for Suárez.

The Mariners have a lead on the Yankees for Eugenio Suárez

Though there have been reports about the Yankees being genuinely interested in Suárez, it is also not the biggest surprise that they're not rushing to get a deal done.

As per Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Yankees have "concern" about the 34-year-old's defense at the hot corner. It is a rational concern, as his immense power (i.e., 312 career home runs and NL-leading 36 this year) has always come with below average glove work at the hot corner (i.e., -20 Defensive Runs Saved).

Further, a bat feels more like a luxury than a necessity for the Bronx Bombers. Third base is indeed a weak spot, but the offense as a whole leads the majors with 160 home runs and is among the leaders in scoring. What's really need in New York are arms, both at the top of the rotation and the back of the bullpen.

For their part, the Mariners are more of a good offensive team than a great one, with third base holding them back to the tune of a .669 OPS and five home runs. Bringing "Geno" back to Seattle would be transformative in this respect, as he would form a dynamic foursome with fellow 2025 All-Stars in Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez and Randy Arozarena.

With Adam Jude of The Seattle Times having reported that the Mariners have "engaged in preliminary discussions" with Arizona about Suárez, they have a timeline advantage on the Yankees if nothing else.

The hope now is that the Yankees don't become determined to catch up. They might be a better trading partner for the Diamondbacks than the Mariners, specifically in the sense that they have the young arms to satisfy Arizona's purported desire to replenish its pitching depth.

Either way, the clock is ticking. The July 31 trade deadline is a little over a week away, and the Mariners need to act like they're not the only ones chasing Suárez...even if their rear-view mirror is presently all clear.