Eugenio Suarez returns to Cincinnati to reclaim his home run throne

Cincinnati's new slugger is ready to pick up right where he left off.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 10:06pm

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The Cincinnati Reds have signed Eugenio Suarez to a one-year deal, bringing the slugger back to the team he spent seven years with before being traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2022. Suarez is expected to provide a power boost to the Reds' lineup, which also features rising star Elly De La Cruz.

Why it matters

The Reds are hoping Suarez's return will help them build on last season's playoff appearance, as the team looks to contend in the NL Central. Suarez's power numbers could be a key factor in the Reds' success, especially if he can avoid the second-half slump that plagued both him and De La Cruz in 2022.

The details

Last season, Elly De La Cruz led the Reds in home runs with 22, but he only hit 4 after the All-Star break. Meanwhile, Eugenio Suarez had a strong first half, hitting 31 home runs, but his production dipped in the second half. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter believes Suarez will be the one to lead the Reds in power this season, as he still has "plenty left in the tank" and will benefit from playing his home games at Great American Ball Park.

  • Eugenio Suarez spent seven years with the Cincinnati Reds before being traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2022.
  • The Reds signed Suarez to a one-year deal to bring him back to the team for the 2023 season.

The players

Eugenio Suarez

A slugger who spent seven years with the Cincinnati Reds before being traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2022. The Reds have now signed him to a one-year deal to bring him back to the team.

Elly De La Cruz

A rising star for the Cincinnati Reds, who led the team in home runs last season with 22, though his production dipped in the second half.

Spencer Steer

Another player who could emerge as a power threat for the Reds this season if he can stay healthy all year.

Joel Reuter

A writer for Bleacher Report who believes Eugenio Suarez will lead the Reds in home runs this season.

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What they’re saying

“The Reds' two biggest home run threats both put up huge first-half numbers and slumped after the break: Eugenio Suarez (1st half): 95 G, .889 OPS, 31 HR; Eugenio Suarez (2nd half): 64 G, .729 OPS, 18 HR; Elly De La Cruz (1st half): 97 G, .854 OPS, 18 HR; Elly De La Cruz (2nd half): 65 G, .666 OPS, 4 HR. Suarez still has plenty left in the tank, and a return to Great American Ball Park for his home games will also provide a boost.”

— Joel Reuter, Writer (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Reds will be hoping Eugenio Suarez can recapture his first-half power stroke from last season and provide a consistent power threat in the middle of their lineup.

The takeaway

The Reds are betting on Eugenio Suarez's return to Cincinnati to help bolster their power-hitting attack and build on last season's playoff appearance. If Suarez and Elly De La Cruz can avoid second-half slumps, the Reds could have one of the most formidable lineups in the NL Central.