Eugenio Suárez Returns to Cincinnati Reds with $15M Contract

Former Reds star signs one-year deal with 2027 mutual option, bringing power hitting back to Great American Ball Park

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with the players and field abstracted into sharp, overlapping planes of color and angular shapes, capturing the raw energy and movement of the sport.Eugenio Suárez's homecoming to the Cincinnati Reds brings a new era of power hitting to Great American Ball Park.Cincinnati Today

In a major offseason move, the Cincinnati Reds have signed former star Eugenio Suárez to a $15 million, one-year contract with a mutual option for 2027. Suárez, a fan favorite during his 2015-2021 tenure with the Reds, was traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2022 but will now return to Cincinnati, where he is expected to primarily serve as the team's designated hitter while also seeing time at third and first base.

Why it matters

Suárez's return to the Reds represents a homecoming for the power-hitting third baseman, who was a key part of the team's lineup during their recent playoff appearances. His addition provides a proven power bat to complement the Reds' young core, including shortstop Elly De La Cruz, and could help propel the team back to the postseason after an 83-79 campaign in 2025.

The details

Suárez, 34, hit 49 home runs for the Mariners last season, finishing fifth in the majors. He will now shift to a primarily DH role for the Reds, allowing the team to feature their other talented infielders like Gold Glove winner Ke'Bryan Hayes at third base and prospect Sal Stewart at first. The Reds exceeded their payroll budget to bring Suárez back, a sign of their commitment to contending in 2026 and beyond.

  • Suárez was traded from the Reds to the Mariners during spring training in 2022.
  • The Reds pursued Suárez at the trade deadline last year but were unable to complete a deal.
  • Suárez signed his new one-year, $15 million contract with the Reds on April 12, 2026.

The players

Eugenio Suárez

A 34-year-old power-hitting third baseman who previously played for the Cincinnati Reds from 2015 to 2021, establishing himself as a fan favorite and one of the team's top offensive threats.

Nick Krall

The president of baseball operations for the Cincinnati Reds, who spearheaded the team's efforts to bring Suárez back to Cincinnati.

Bob Castellini

One of the owners of the Cincinnati Reds, who approved the team's decision to exceed their payroll budget to sign Suárez.

Phil Castellini

One of the owners of the Cincinnati Reds, who approved the team's decision to exceed their payroll budget to sign Suárez.

Ke'Bryan Hayes

The Gold Glove-winning third baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, who will now share playing time with Suárez.

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What they’re saying

“I think this is the gift. To be back where everybody knows you and where you feel comfortable.”

— Eugenio Suárez

“I'm here now to help the team... to be my best version and put everything on the field.”

— Eugenio Suárez

What’s next

The Reds will look to integrate Suárez into their lineup and see if his power-hitting can help propel the team back to the playoffs in 2026.

The takeaway

Suárez's return to the Reds represents a homecoming for the slugger and a bold move by the team's ownership to exceed their budget and bring back a fan favorite. If Suárez can recapture his past success in Cincinnati, the Reds could be poised for a deep playoff run in 2026.