Eugenio Suárez (Image surce: Getty Image) The Cincinnati Reds have welcomed a familiar face home, agreeing to a one-year, $15 million deal with third baseman Eugenio Suárez, including a mutual option for 2027. The move brings the 34-year-old slugger back to the franchise where he had some of the best seasons of his career, most notably the 49 home run explosion in 2019.Suárez spent the 2025 campaign split between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Seattle Mariners, and ended up with a .228/.298/.526 slash line and 49 homers. While the power numbers were still eye-catching, evaluators were concerned about a dip in overall consistency following his midseason trade. Still, ranked the 14th best free agent this offseason, Suárez is still valued for his ability to draw walks, post strong exit velocity, and limit whiffs as compared with many power hitters.
Veteran slugger returns to address Reds’ offense gaps
Cincinnati Reds’ decision to reunite with Suarez reflects a clear attempt to stabilise a lineup that struggled to score in bunches last season. The Reds finished 14th in runs and 21st in home runs but managed to sneak into the playoffs via a tiebreaker over the New York Mets. With just platoon outfielders JJ Bleday and Dane Myers added in the winter, Suarez is the club’s best impact offensive player. The Reds held an 83-79 record, their most successful season since 2021, and earned their first-ever playoff berth in a full 162-game schedule since 2013. However, the management is hopeful that Suarez’s return and the veteran presence he brings to the clubhouse can help push the club deeper into October.
DH role likely as roster fit comes into focus
While Suarez had made a name for himself as a third baseman in Cincinnati, his defensive role this time around seems limited. Ke’Bryan Hayes, considered one of the best defensive players in baseball at the position, under contract through 2028, is expected to be locked in at the hot corner. As a result, Suarez is expected to play mostly as the designated hitter with a spot at first base coming in here and there. That alignment may eliminate some opportunities for Spencer Steer and top prospect Sal Stewart, but the Reds seem willing to juggle playing time to have Suarez’s bat in the middle of the order.Age, along with right-handed balance and defensive limitations, are considerations, even so, but Cincinnati is betting on familiarity and proven power to help it go on another postseason run. For a franchise back in contention, having Suarez back in town is a slight to the past and a calculated gamble on old-time thunder.