Reds Bring Back Slugger Eugenio Suárez on 1-Year Deal

The two-time All-Star returns to Cincinnati on a $15 million contract.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:31pm

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Eugenio Suárez and the Cincinnati Reds have agreed on a $15 million, one-year contract, two people familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. Suárez, a top slugger on the free agent market, will return to the Reds where he played for seven seasons and hit 189 home runs from 2015 to 2021, including 49 in 2019.

Why it matters

The move gives the Reds the proven power hitter they had been seeking this offseason. Suárez is expected to be the team's primary designated hitter and may also see time at third base or first base, providing a boost to Cincinnati's lineup.

The details

Suárez, a 34-year-old third baseman for most of his 12-year MLB career, was traded from the Reds to the Seattle Mariners in 2022. He spent two seasons with the Mariners before getting traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 2022, he finished fifth in the majors with 49 home runs and fourth with 118 RBIs while batting .228 with an .824 OPS.

  • The deal was agreed to on Sunday night, February 2, 2026.
  • Suárez played for the Reds from 2015 through 2021.

The players

Eugenio Suárez

A two-time MLB All-Star who has hit 189 home runs over seven seasons with the Cincinnati Reds.

Ke'Bryan Hayes

The Reds' Gold Glove-winning third baseman.

Sal Stewart

A touted prospect who is likely to play first base for the Reds.

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What’s next

The deal is pending a physical and has not yet been officially announced by the Reds.

The takeaway

Bringing back Eugenio Suárez on a one-year deal gives the Reds a proven power hitter to anchor their lineup, as they look to bounce back after missing the playoffs in 2025. Suárez's return to Cincinnati could provide a boost to the team's offense and help them compete in the NL Central.