Reds Bet on Internal Growth and Veteran Thump to Defy Odds

Cincinnati adds Eugenio Suarez to bolster lineup and aims for return to playoffs

Feb. 23, 2026 at 8:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cincinnati Reds are hoping internal growth from their young core and the addition of veteran slugger Eugenio Suarez will propel them back to the postseason in 2026. After making the playoffs in 2025 but falling to the eventual World Series champion Dodgers, the Reds are banking on a strong pitching rotation led by Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, and Chase Burns to support an offense anchored by Suarez, Elly De La Cruz, and top prospect Sal Stewart.

Why it matters

The Reds are looking to build on their 2025 playoff appearance and establish themselves as consistent contenders in the NL Central. Suarez's power bat and the continued development of their young stars could make them a force to be reckoned with, especially if their starting rotation lives up to its potential.

The details

The Reds signed Eugenio Suarez to a one-year deal, adding a veteran power hitter who hit 49 home runs and drove in 118 runs last season. Pairing Suarez with rising stars like Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, the Reds believe they have enough offensive firepower to support a strong pitching staff led by Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, and Chase Burns.

  • The Reds made the playoffs in the 2025 season.
  • Eugenio Suarez signed a one-year deal with the Reds for the 2026 season.

The players

Eugenio Suarez

A veteran slugger who hit 49 home runs and drove in 118 runs in 2025, Suarez was signed by the Reds to provide power and experience to their lineup.

Elly De La Cruz

A rising star in the Reds' system, De La Cruz is expected to be a key part of the team's offense in 2026 after a nagging injury hampered him late in the 2025 season.

Sal Stewart

The Reds' top prospect, Stewart is expected to break camp with the big league team and contribute to the offense alongside Suarez and De La Cruz.

Hunter Greene

One of the anchors of the Reds' starting rotation, Greene will be counted on to lead a strong pitching staff that also includes Andrew Abbott and Chase Burns.

Andrew Abbott

A key part of the Reds' starting rotation, Abbott will look to build on a solid 2025 season and help the team return to the playoffs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“With a rotation this strong, the Reds don't need a record-breaking offense to return to the postseason. There may be enough pieces in place, as is. Suarez, on the heels of a 49-homer season, gives the Reds a legitimate thump, as does Sal Stewart, MLB Pipeline's No. 22 overall prospect, who should break camp with the big league team. Most importantly, De La Cruz is healthy again after a nagging quadriceps injury hampered him for the final few months of the 2025 season.”

— Jared Greenspan, MLB.com writer

The takeaway

The Reds are betting that a combination of veteran power, young talent, and strong pitching will be enough to return them to the playoffs and potentially make a deeper run in 2026. If their key pieces stay healthy and perform as expected, the Reds could surprise some teams and emerge as a legitimate contender in the NL Central.