The Cincinnati Reds signed Eugenio Suarez this past offseason. Suarez crushed 49 home runs and is expected to give the Reds' lineup a significant boost. Cincinnati's lineup has endured ups and downs in recent years, so adding a slugger such as Suarez is looked upon as a good move. However, there is reason to believe it could be a great move -- a signing that helps the Reds reach the next level. 

Here are two reasons why Suarez's impact could change everything for this ball club in 2026.

De La Cruz is the best overall player on the team. With Suarez hitting behind him, De La Cruz is going to see better pitches to hit.

De La Cruz has been an All-Star in each of the past two seasons. He's been rather inconsistent at times, however. In 2025, the Reds shortstop finished the year with a .264/.336/.440 slash line. He hit 22 home runs and stole 37 bases, but De La Cruz struck out 181 times.

Opposing teams were able to prepare strictly for De La Cruz. He was the guy pitchers focused on. They did not have to risk throwing a fastball in the middle of the zone, because the idea of tempting him with a pitch outside of the zone made sense. There wasn't much protection behind De La Cruz, so the risk of walking him out-weighed the risk of giving him a good pitch to hit.

That is going to change in 2026. De La Cruz now has a slugger who recorded 49 home runs last year hitting behind him.

Suarez earned the second All-Star selection of his career in 2025. He played with the Arizona Diamondbacks to begin the year before getting traded to the Seattle Mariners. He ended up hitting just .228, but he had an .824 OPS, 49 home runs and 118 RBI.

There is reason to believe he can be even better this year.

Suarez is returning to play at a ball park he is familiar with, as he played in Cincinnati from 2015-2021. The Reds' also play at a hitter-friendly stadium, which may increase Suarez's numbers.

Additionally, he won't have to worry about playing in the infield in 2026 for the most part. While Suarez could see occasional time at first or third base, he is expected to primarily handle designated hitter duties. As a result, he will be able to focus on the offensive part of his game.