Cincinnati Reds Bring Back Slugger Eugenio Suarez

Veteran power hitter returns to Reds on one-year deal with mutual option.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:47pm

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The Cincinnati Reds have re-signed free agent slugger Eugenio Suarez to a one-year, $15 million contract that includes a mutual option for 2027. Suarez, who hit 189 home runs for the Reds from 2015-2021, is expected to primarily serve as the team's designated hitter after spending the last two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners.

Why it matters

Suarez was considered one of the top remaining free agent bats on the market, and his return to the Reds provides a much-needed power boost to a lineup that struggled at times last season. The Reds are hoping Suarez can recapture the form that saw him hit a career-high 49 home runs in 2019.

The details

Under the terms of the deal, Suarez will earn $15 million for the 2026 season, with a mutual option for 2027 that would pay him an additional $15 million if exercised. The 31-year-old is expected to primarily serve as the Reds' designated hitter, with Ke'Bryan Hayes remaining the team's everyday third baseman.

  • Suarez hit 189 home runs for the Reds from 2015 to 2021.
  • In 2019, Suarez hit a career-best 49 home runs for the Reds.
  • Last season, Suarez hit a combined 36 home runs for the Diamondbacks and Mariners.

The players

Eugenio Suarez

A 31-year-old power-hitting infielder who has spent the majority of his 12-year MLB career with the Cincinnati Reds.

Ke'Bryan Hayes

The Reds' everyday third baseman, who will remain in that role despite Suarez's return to the team.

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What’s next

The Reds will look to Suarez to provide a power boost to their lineup as they aim to improve upon their 2025 record and compete for a playoff spot in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Suarez's return to the Reds represents a homecoming for the slugger, who was a fan favorite during his previous seven seasons with the team. His power bat should help the Reds improve their offensive production and make a push for the postseason in 2026.