The Cincinnati Reds and Eugenio Suarez recently agreed to a one-year, $15 million contract for the 2026 MLB season. The contract also includes a mutual option for 2027. On Tuesday, the team officially announced the deal ahead of Suarez’s introductory press conference. While speaking to reporters, Suarez made it clear that he believes the Reds can make serious noise this season.
“The chance for me to win the World Series, or going to the World Series… The chance to win, the chance to bring the playoffs to the city and the chance that we have with me to make the playoffs and win it all, it was high,” Suarez told reporters, via Jeremy Rauch of FOX19. “That made everything easier.”
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Suarez also explained that his familiarity with the city helped his decision to sign with the Reds. The 34-year-old played in Cincinnati from 2015-2021, finding plenty of success along the way. Now he is set to re-join the ball club. However, Suarez’s clear confidence in the Reds leaves the team with one question: Will they look to add enough talent around Suarez to build a legitimate World Series contender?
Reds Have a Question to Answer
Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez (28)Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
The Reds have a strong pitching rotation. Hunter Greene is an ace while starters such as Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo feature bright futures. However, the lineup still has serious question marks.
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Bringing in Suarez projects to be a quality move. He crushed 49 home runs last year between his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners, and the Reds desperately needed another slugger in the lineup. Outside of Elly De La Cruz, though, the offense still has question marks.
Adding another hitter could prove to be the solution. Will the Reds be willing to bring in another impactful bat, though? That is the question they must answer.
The good news is that Cincinnati does not necessarily have to make the move right now. The team could see how the 2026 campaign goes and then look to make an addition or two ahead of the mid-season trade deadline. At some point, however, the Reds will need to answer the aforementioned question.
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Eugenio Suarez’s belief in the Reds’ postseason chances instantly places pressure on the team’s front office to address roster needs. This Cincinnati ball club is intriguing, but they are likely still another bat or two away from emerging as a true Fall Classic contender.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.