The Cincinnati Reds signed Eugenio Suarez this past offseason, a contract that represented a reunion after Suarez previously played in Cincinnati from 2015-2021. So, what led Suarez to return to Cincinnati? The right-handed slugger revealed why he wanted to return to the Reds during a recent interview with MLB Network Radio.

"I see them play in the playoffs, I know they were hungry for wins," Suarez said. "They want to win, they want to go for the next step."

Suarez later added that he watched the Reds a lot and was impressed by their desire to win games. While he acknowledged that last year's squad played well, he expects 2026 to be even more "special" as Cincinnati looks to make a deeper postseason run.

Suarez, 34, is fresh off a 2025 season that saw him hit 49 home runs. Cincinnati desperately needed offensive help, so bringing in a guy who almost hit 50 long balls a season ago certainly won't hurt matters.

Suarez's familiarity with the Reds will help as well. He will know what to expect. Additionally, he brings postseason experience.

The veteran has appeared in 20 total playoff games, hitting four home runs along the way. He most recently appeared in the playoffs in 2025 with the Seattle Mariners, as he played an impactful role in their American League Championship Series run. 

As for the Reds, Cincinnati reached the National League Wild Card round a season ago. The Dodgers were the No. 3 seed last year (which is difficult to believe but it is true -- the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies held the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds in the NL). As a result, the Reds faced a daunting task and the Dodgers ended up earning a series sweep. 

Los Angeles, of course, went on to win the World Series.

Nevertheless, the Reds will learn from the experience. For many of the players on the roster, 2025 represented their first time ever in the MLB postseason. In 2026, Cincinnati's players will know what to expect if the team makes the playoffs once again.

Suarez's veteran prowess and his experience will benefit the ball club as well. He is a respected leader, and the Reds clearly believe in him.

Competing in the National League will prove to be a challenge. The NL Central is competitive enough with the Chicago Cubs and Brewers in the conversation. Teams such as the Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and Atlanta Braves will also stand in the Reds' way of making a deep playoff run.

With that being said, Suarez and the Reds will enter the new campaign with confidence.