Reds Get Encouraging Signs From Top Bats in Spring Training

Elly De La Cruz and Eugenio Suarez hit home runs in Tuesday's game against the Royals

Feb. 24, 2026 at 10:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cincinnati Reds got an encouraging sign from two of their most important bats in spring training on Tuesday. Rookie sensation Elly De La Cruz hit a solo home run, and newly acquired Eugenio Suarez also went deep as the Reds rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals. The Reds are hoping Suarez's power in the cleanup spot will provide protection for De La Cruz in the lineup this season.

Why it matters

The Reds are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season, and the performances of De La Cruz and Suarez will be crucial to their success. De La Cruz is one of the top prospects in baseball, while Suarez was brought in to provide veteran leadership and pop in the middle of the order.

The details

De La Cruz took a second-pitch changeup from Carlos Estevez over the center field wall for his first home run and third extra-base hit of the spring. Suarez then worked a full count and hit a changeup over the left-center field wall for his first home run of the spring. The Reds rallied in the ninth inning, with Sal Stewart, Leo Balcazar, and Edwin Arroyo hitting three straight singles to tie the game before Michael Toglia hit a walk-off single to right field to end the game.

  • On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the Reds played the Kansas City Royals in a spring training game.

The players

Elly De La Cruz

A top prospect in the Reds' system who is expected to make a big impact in the major leagues this season.

Eugenio Suarez

A veteran infielder who was acquired by the Reds in the offseason to provide power and protection in the middle of the lineup.

Carlos Estevez

The Royals pitcher who gave up the home run to De La Cruz.

Sal Stewart

A Reds player who had a key single in the ninth-inning rally.

Leo Balcazar

A Reds player who had a key single in the ninth-inning rally.

Edwin Arroyo

A Reds player who had a key single in the ninth-inning rally.

Michael Toglia

The Reds player who hit the walk-off single to win the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm not here to be the superhero, but be my best version and put everything on the field, do my best and try to help the team win games.”

— Eugenio Suarez

What’s next

The Reds will face the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with Nick Lodolo making his spring training debut on the mound.

The takeaway

The performances of De La Cruz and Suarez in spring training are an encouraging sign for the Reds as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season. If the two can provide consistent power and protection in the middle of the lineup, the Reds could be a team to watch in the NL Central this year.