The Cincinnati Reds recently signed slugger Eugenio Suarez to a contract for the 2026 MLB season. On Wednesday, MLB Network revealed The Shredder’s (MLB Network’s data-driven analysis system for rankings without bias) top 10 third basemen in the league heading into 2026. With Ke’Bryan Hayes at third base in Cincinnati, Suarez is expected to primarily DH in 2026. However, Suarez is still regarded as a third baseman for now, and he was ranked No. 9 overall at the position by The Shredder.

Cleveland Guardians star Jose Ramirez is the top third baseman. Although The Shredder sometimes has questionable rankings, it’s difficult to argue against Ramirez being No. 1 overall at third base.

Advertisement

Max Muncy, Alex Bregman, Matt Chapman and Manny Machado round out the top five. Junior Caminero, Bo Bichette (the former shortstop is expected to play third base with the New York Mets), Isaac Paredes, Suarez and Austin Riley are ranked from No. 6 to No. 10 in that order.

There are plenty of talented third basemen in the league at the moment.

Suarez may still spend some time at the hot corner. He also could see some time at first base. As mentioned, though, the veteran will be the DH for the most part.

What matters most for the Reds is that his bat is in the lineup regardless of his position. Cincinnati desperately needed more offense and Suarez provides that to say the least. In 2025, the right-handed slugger crushed 49 home runs and recorded 118 RBI between his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners.

Advertisement

Now, he is set to return to a Reds ball club where he previously played from 2015-2021. Suarez enjoyed a number of impressive seasons in Cincinnati. Great American Ball Park tends to favor hitters, so Suarez may be on track for another huge performance in 2026.

Suarez may not be on the top third baseman rankings next offseason. However, he will probably still be among the best designated hitters in the game. His contract features a mutual option after this season, so it remains to be seen if he will still be with the Reds heading into the 2027 campaign.

For now, Eugenio Suarez and the Reds’ primary focus is on preparing for the upcoming 2026 MLB season. Pitchers and catchers are set to report soon and spring training is right around the corner.