Reds' Francona Plans Suárez to Bat Behind De La Cruz

Veteran slugger Suárez to provide power in lineup behind rising star shortstop De La Cruz

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona revealed plans to have veteran slugger Eugenio Suárez bat behind young shortstop Elly De La Cruz in the team's lineup for the upcoming 2026 season. Suárez, who tied his career-high with 49 home runs last year, is expected to provide a powerful presence in the middle of the order behind the dynamic De La Cruz.

Why it matters

The Reds are looking to build on their 2025 playoff appearance and take the next step as a contender in the National League. Putting Suárez behind De La Cruz gives the lineup a potent one-two punch that opposing pitchers will have to navigate carefully.

The details

Francona said Suárez will hit behind De La Cruz, which "certainly helps" by providing a "presence" in the middle of the order. The Reds also made key offseason additions to their bullpen, signing veteran pitcher Pierce Johnson and re-signing Emilio Pagan, who had a career-best 32 saves in 2025.

  • The Reds' spring training opened on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • The Reds' first spring training game is scheduled for Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians.

The players

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds.

Eugenio Suárez

A veteran slugger who tied his career-high with 49 home runs last season and is expected to provide power in the middle of the Reds' lineup.

Elly De La Cruz

A young, rising star shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds.

Pierce Johnson

A veteran pitcher who signed a one-year deal with the Reds to help bolster their bullpen.

Emilio Pagan

A relief pitcher who re-signed with the Reds after a career-best season with 32 saves in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“When I was last here, I heard his name a lot. Then when I got traded I saw him play in the big leagues, and the way he plays is electric. I played with him in the All-Star Game last year just seeing how he enjoyed the moment and always smiled, it's something that inspired me.”

— Eugenio Suárez (local12.com)

“He'll be hitting behind him, which certainly helps. When you put a big bat in the middle of your order, it makes everybody in front of you and behind you that much better. It's a presence. We kept moving guys last year because we were trying to get the guy that was hot there. And every time we did it, it'd be like then they'd cool off because now they're a focal point for the opposing team.”

— Terry Francona, Manager (local12.com)

“I'm an open book, man. Come talk to me. I want to help. I want to win. I just I love this game. I love being around the guys. It's just something that I have a passion for. And, you know, I just want to go have fun out there and win. So whatever you got, please come to me.”

— Pierce Johnson, Pitcher (local12.com)

What’s next

The Reds will continue their spring training workouts on Tuesday ahead of their first spring game against the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday.

The takeaway

The Reds are positioning their lineup to maximize the talents of young star Elly De La Cruz and veteran slugger Eugenio Suárez, giving them a potent one-two punch in the middle of the order as they look to build on last year's playoff appearance and take the next step as a contender in the National League.