Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona has a decision to make for the upcoming MLB season.
The Cincinnati Reds are still sorting out key lineup decisions as Opening Day approaches, and one of the most intriguing involves two hitters expected to play major roles in 2026. With a mix of veteran power and emerging young talent, manager Terry Francona is weighing how best to structure the heart of the order.
This winter, the Reds made a splash by reuniting with Eugenio Suarez, signing the right-handed veteran slugger to a one‑year, $15 million deal with a 2027 mutual option. The 34‑year‑old earned that contract after a massive 2025 season split between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners, when he blasted 49 home runs and drove in 118 RBIs while earning his second career All‑Star selection.
However, a rising prospect has complicated where Suarez fits in the lineup. Since Suarez returned from the World Baseball Classic, Sal Stewart has been hitting fourth behind Elly De La Cruz, with Suarez batting fifth. That alignment has held over the past three spring training games, raising the question of who will ultimately hit higher in the order.
Francona addressed the situation directly this past Sunday. “We will see. I reserve the right to always make a lineup out that day. The reason we have been doing it is I think it sets Geno up to drive in more runs. With Elly hitting third, we separate maybe some strikeouts and also have a guy who can trail Elly. Geno can clean up some of the mess there (hitting fifth). That is the idea.”
He added, “I think it has a chance to be more productive for us. It is not an indictment on Geno by any means. I just think Sal has run the bases so well this spring. I think Geno can have more RBI opportunities.”
Francona continued, “It is a pretty big compliment to Sal. I still do not know… I might change my mind on the airplane. But I think there is a good reason for doing it.”
The decision reflects just how impressive Stewart has been. The Reds’ 2022 first‑round pick is emerging as one of their top young hitters and a legitimate National League Rookie of the Year candidate.
In limited action last season, Stewart posted an .839 OPS with five home runs in 18 games, and he has built on that momentum this spring, hitting .333 with a .444 on‑base percentage and 1.067 OPS.
With Cincinnati set to open the season against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, Francona’s decision could have a major impact on the lineup’s overall production heading into 2026.