Veteran Slugger Suarez Signs 1-Year Deal with Reds

Slugger returns to Cincinnati on $15M contract after stints with Mariners, Diamondbacks

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:55pm

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Free agent Eugenio Suarez has agreed to a one-year, $15 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds, per reports. The 34-year-old third baseman split the 2025 season between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners, hitting 49 home runs. The deal includes a $16 million mutual option for 2026.

Why it matters

Suarez's return to the Reds represents a homecoming, as he previously played for the team from 2015-2021 before being traded to Seattle. The contract terms are lighter than expected for a 49-homer player, likely due to concerns over Suarez's declining defense and high strikeout rate.

The details

Suarez, who has 1,814 career strikeouts, is known for his prodigious power but also high whiff rates. He slashed just .228/.298/.526 after being traded to the Mariners in 2025. The Reds plan to use him primarily as a designated hitter, hoping to maximize his offensive production while minimizing the impact of his defensive decline at third base.

  • Suarez agreed to the one-year, $15 million contract on February 1, 2026.
  • The deal includes a $16 million mutual option for the 2026 season.

The players

Eugenio Suarez

A 34-year-old slugging third baseman who has played for the Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, and Arizona Diamondbacks over his 11-year MLB career.

Cincinnati Reds

A Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, who are bringing back Suarez on a one-year contract after previously trading him away in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“Just $15 million for one year for a 49 homer guy from last year doesn't seem to make sense.”

— Adam J. Morris, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Reds will look to Suarez to provide power and veteran leadership as they aim to improve on their 2025 season. The team and player will have a mutual option to extend the contract for 2026.

The takeaway

Suarez's return to Cincinnati on a team-friendly one-year deal represents a calculated risk for both sides. The Reds are betting on Suarez's power potential, while Suarez is looking to rebuild value after a down year split between two teams. This move could pay dividends if Suarez can recapture his previous All-Star form.