Cincinnati Reds' Revamped Lineup Delivers in Season-Opening Series Win

Reds' new-look middle order, led by Suárez and Stewart, powers team to series victory over Red Sox

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:07pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in red, black, and white tones, depicting fragmented and overlapping shapes representing baseball players, bats, and other elements of a baseball game, conveying the dynamic energy and potential of the Reds' lineup.The Cincinnati Reds' revamped middle of the order, led by the power of Eugenio Suárez and the advanced hitting of rookie Spencer Stewart, has the potential to transform the team's offensive production in 2026.Today in Dayton

The Cincinnati Reds' lineup has a completely different feel in 2026 compared to last season, with a rejuvenated Matt McLain and the additions of Eugenio Suárez and rookie Spencer Stewart bolstering the middle of the order. Suárez's three-run homer on Sunday proved to be the difference in a 3-2 win over the Boston Red Sox, showcasing the power and game-changing ability the veteran slugger brings to the lineup.

Why it matters

The Reds struggled to consistently produce runs last season, but the new-look middle of the order has the potential to transform the team's offensive production. If McLain, Suárez, and Stewart can maintain their strong starts, it could be a sign of a much-improved Reds team in 2026.

The details

Manager Terry Francona made the bold move of slotting the rookie Stewart into the cleanup spot ahead of the veteran Suárez, a decision that has paid early dividends. Stewart is off to an impressive start, and Francona believes his advanced hitting approach will allow him to handle the pressure of the cleanup role. Suárez's three-run homer on Sunday was a game-changing moment, showcasing the power threat he brings to the lineup. The Reds struggled to find a consistent cleanup hitter last season, but the combination of Stewart and Suárez appears to have solidified that spot in the order.

  • The Reds opened their 2026 season with a series against the Boston Red Sox from March 27-29.
  • Eugenio Suárez hit a decisive three-run homer in the Reds' 3-2 win over the Red Sox on Sunday, March 29.

The players

Eugenio Suárez

A veteran slugger who has been one of the most productive hitters in MLB over the past few seasons, providing power and run-producing ability in the middle of the Reds' lineup.

Matt McLain

A rejuvenated Reds infielder who is swinging the bat harder and hitting the ball harder than ever before, a year removed from shoulder surgery and with some key adjustments at the plate.

Spencer Stewart

A rookie hitter who Reds manager Terry Francona has entrusted with the cleanup spot in the lineup, believing the young player's advanced approach will allow him to thrive in that prime position.

Terry Francona

The Reds' manager, who has made some bold lineup decisions early in the season, including putting the rookie Stewart in the cleanup spot ahead of the veteran Suárez.

Brock Burke

A Reds reliever who appreciates the power threat that Suárez brings to the lineup, acknowledging that opposing pitchers have to have a specific plan to deal with him.

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What they’re saying

“That's a game that last year, we lose a lot of times. We were kind of frustrated. We had some hits, but we didn't bunch them together. But all of a sudden, they try to sneak a fastball by him and it completely changes a game. That didn't happen a lot. That's why we got Geno.”

— Terry Francona, Manager

“I'm seeing some of the adjustments pay off. I'm grinding out approaches. What do I need to beat this guy right now? I'm dialing that in along with some of the swing (adjustments). Then, I'm going out there and competing and being me.”

— Matt McLain, Reds Infielder

“(Stewart) is a good hitter. I know that I've been saying for a while that he's an advanced young hitter. What he is is an advanced hitter.”

— Terry Francona, Manager

“It feels really good to know that Tito has that faith in me. That's a really big compliment. I know that. I definitely don't take it lightly. I trust Tito. I really do. He is who he is because he knows what he's doing. Wherever he put me, I would have been happy.”

— Spencer Stewart, Reds Rookie Hitter

“The guy is worth every penny. From a bullpen perspective, it's a guy you have to worry about at all times. Any time you get to that part of the lineup, you have to worry about having a (plan) for that guy. If you don't he's going to make you pay.”

— Brock Burke, Reds Reliever

What’s next

The Reds will look to build on their strong start when they face the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-game series beginning on March 31.

The takeaway

The Reds' revamped middle of the order, led by the power of Eugenio Suárez and the advanced hitting of rookie Spencer Stewart, has the potential to transform the team's offensive production in 2026. If this early success continues, the Reds could be poised for a much-improved season and a return to the playoffs.