The Cincinnati Reds are adding a familiar face and a big bat to their lineup for 2026.
After going 83-79 last season and earning their first playoff berth since 2020, the Reds made a splash by signing veteran slugger Eugenio Suárez to a one-year, $15 million contract with a mutual option for 2027.
The deal brings back a fan favorite who spent seven years in Cincinnati from 2015 to 2021 and had some of his best seasons with the organization.
Krall Loves What Suárez Brings to the Table
Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall was thrilled to get the deal done and made his feelings clear about the signing.
"To bring a guy in that's a middle of the order bat, hit 49 homers, he's a great clubhouse guy and a great guy with your fans, you know what you're getting," Krall said. "It's really been something we weren't sure we were able to do. It was great we were able to get Geno."
Suárez is coming off a monster 2025 season in which he tied his career high with 49 home runs while driving in a career-best 118 RBI between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners.
He also earned his second career All-Star selection and helped the Mariners reach the American League Championship Series, where he hit two home runs in Game Five including a clutch grand slam.
A Big Boost for Cincinnati's Offense
The Reds made the playoffs in 2025 on the strength of their pitching, but the offense was often a weakness for the team.
Cincinnati finished 21st in Major League Baseball in home runs and the lineup lacked a true middle of the order threat behind shortstop Elly De La Cruz. Adding Suárez changes that in a big way.
Suárez will likely see most of his at-bats as the designated hitter, though he can also play first base and third base when needed.
With Gold Glover Ke'Bryan Hayes locked in at third and the team wanting to keep young players like Spencer Steer and Sal Stewart getting reps at multiple positions, having Suárez available as a versatile option gives manager Terry Francona plenty of flexibility.
Coming Home
For Suárez, the decision to return to Cincinnati was an easy one.
He still has family in the area, and his daughter was born in the city during his first stint with the Reds.
Even though the Pittsburgh Pirates were willing to offer more money and a second guaranteed year, Suárez wanted to come back to a place that felt like home.
The 34-year-old has 325 career home runs and has proven he can still be one of the best power hitters in baseball.
His presence should provide lineup protection for De La Cruz and give the Reds the middle of the order bat they have been looking for all offseason.
If Cincinnati's young pitching staff can take another step forward and Suárez continues mashing the ball, the Reds could be a real threat in the National League Central in 2026.