Reds Reunite with 49-Homer Slugger on $15M Deal

Veteran power hitter Eugenio Suarez returns to Cincinnati on a one-year contract.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:15pm

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The Cincinnati Reds have agreed to a one-year, $15 million contract with veteran slugger Eugenio Suarez, who previously played for the team from 2015-2021. The deal includes a mutual option for the 2027 season.

Why it matters

The Reds have struggled this offseason, losing star outfielder Kyle Schwarber to the Philadelphia Phillies. Bringing back the power-hitting Suarez on a team-friendly deal gives the Reds' lineup a much-needed boost as they look to rebound in the NL Central.

The details

Suarez, 31, hit 49 home runs for the Reds in 2019 and is a proven middle-of-the-order bat. He spent the last season with the Seattle Mariners, hitting .236 with 31 home runs. The one-year, $15 million contract represents a significant discount from his previous deal with the Reds.

  • The deal was agreed to on February 1, 2026.

The players

Eugenio Suarez

A veteran power-hitting infielder who previously played for the Cincinnati Reds from 2015-2021.

Kyle Schwarber

An All-Star outfielder who turned down a lucrative offer from the Reds to re-sign with the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Bringing Eugenio back on a team-friendly deal is a big win for us this offseason. His power bat and veteran presence will be invaluable as we look to get back to the playoffs.”

— Nick Krall, General Manager, Cincinnati Reds

What’s next

The Reds will look to finalize the contract with Suarez in the coming days, and he is expected to report to spring training with the team.

The takeaway

Despite losing Schwarber, the Reds have managed to bring back a proven power hitter in Suarez on a discounted one-year deal, giving their lineup a much-needed boost as they aim to rebound in the NL Central.