Eugenio Suárez Returns to Reds on One-Year Deal

Eugenio Suárez is back with the Cincinnati Reds. The former fan favorite agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal with a $16 million mutual option for 2027 (no buyout), pending a physical. He was the top free-agent hitter still on the market. Browse Reds players on AthX

The Return

Suárez, 34, played mostly third base for the Reds from 2015–21 and hit 49 home runs in 2019. He was traded to the Mariners in spring 2022 as part of Cincinnati's tear-down. Now he returns primarily as a designated hitter but will also see time at first and third. The Reds have Ke'Bryan Hayes at third and Spencer Steer at first; Sal Stewart will share DH and corner-infield duties.

Suárez's 2025 Season

Suárez tied his career high with 49 homers and batted .228 with an .824 OPS. He slugged 36 homers in 106 games with the Diamondbacks before a midseason trade back to Seattle. He cooled in the regular season with the Mariners (.683 OPS in 53 games) but heated up in the playoffs—homering twice in Game 5 of the ALCS, including a go-ahead grand slam.

Why the Reds Wanted Him

Cincinnati's offense was a weakness in 2025: 90 OPS+ (26th in MLB), 167 homers (21st). Elly De La Cruz led the club with just 22 homers. Suárez adds immediate power. The Reds went 83–79 and claimed the final NL Wild Card on the final day; adding Suárez boosts their 2026 contending chances.

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