Veteran slugger Eugenio Suarez returns, ready to mentor Elly De La Cruz on and off the field, aiming for a championship run.
The Cincinnati Reds finalized their reunion with veteran slugger Eugenio Suarez on Tuesday, and the 34-year-old is already thinking about ways he can support the team's young superstar.
Suarez signed a one-year, $15 million deal with a mutual option for 2027, returning to the organization where he spent seven seasons from 2015 to 2021.
The signing reunites him with shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who was among the first to reach out when the deal became official.
A Mentor Ready to Serve
When asked about working with De La Cruz, Suarez made it clear that he plans to be more than just a teammate.
"Whatever he needs for me, I will help him," Suarez said. "Not only on the field, but off the field. It's not always about physically. It is about being mentally strong."
The two connected at the 2025 All-Star Game, and Suarez said De La Cruz is already "fired up" about playing alongside him.
Suarez explained that he came to Cincinnati to help the team win games while also being someone the younger players can lean on when things get tough.
De La Cruz Looking to Bounce Back
De La Cruz had a solid but uneven 2025 campaign for the Reds, finishing with a .264 batting average, 22 home runs, and 86 RBIs across 162 games.
His stolen base numbers remained elite, but a left quad injury in the second half limited his production down the stretch.
After the All-Star break, his numbers dropped to just a .236 average with a .666 OPS as he tried to play through the injury.
Having someone like Suarez in his corner could make all the difference.
The veteran brings serious lineup protection after clubbing a career-high-tying 49 home runs in 2025 while playing for Arizona and Seattle, and his experience in high-pressure situations will be valuable for a young team trying to take the next step.
The Reds Build for 2026
Cincinnati went 83-79 in 2025 and made the postseason for the first time since 2020, though they were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Wild Card Series.
The Reds lacked consistent power throughout the lineup last season, ranking 21st in team home runs while relying heavily on their pitching staff to stay competitive.
With Suarez now in the fold, the Reds have the kind of middle-of-the-order bat they desperately needed.
His presence should also take pressure off De La Cruz and give the young shortstop more opportunities to see pitches he can drive.
If De La Cruz stays healthy and Suarez provides the veteran leadership he promises, Cincinnati could be a legitimate threat in the National League Central this season.