How the Cincinnati Reds Bolstered Their Offense With Two Moves

The Cincinnati Reds were the definition of a middle of the pack offense last season, as their 716 runs scored ranked 14th in the MLB. However, many believed that Cincinnati should pursue an impact bat or two in free agency. 

Luckily for Cincinnati, they were able to lock down slugging third baseman Eugenio Suarez on a one-year contract, worth $15 million dollars. However, Cincinnati wasn't done there.

On February 13, 2026, the Cincinnati Reds agreed to terms with first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to a minor-league contract and an invite to spring training. 

I believe that the additions of Suarez and Lowe could potentially shoot Cincinnati's offense into top ten territory. 

In 2025, Cincinnati ranked 21st in the league in total home runs with 167, but the front office noticed that glaring flaw in their offense and decided to fix it. 

By bringing in Suarez and Lowe, you not only add 67 home-runs into your lineup, but add elite power and plate discipline around superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz. 

Lowe is known for his elite plate discipline, as his 10.2% walk rate placed in the 72nd percentile last season. However, in 2023 Lowe had a 12.8% walk rate (90th percentile) and in 2024 had a 12.6% walk rate (97th percentile). 

Lowe is displayed his ability to not only be a strong power bat, but an effective on base weapon. 

Prior to last season, Lowe did not have a year where he had below a 100 OPS+, indicating that he is indeed an above league average hitter. 

Suarez was one of the best home run hitters in all of baseball last season, as his 23 batting run value placed in the 89th percentile last season. Suarez's 130 SLG+ also displays his elite power, as its 11th best in all of baseball in front the likes of Pete Alonso, Matt Olson and Bryce Harper. 

Suarez tattoos baseballs for a living, as his 14.3% barrel percentage places in the 89th percentile. 

Suarez will now take his 49 home runs and 118 RBI's to a hitters friendly park in Cincinnati, where he will have the opportunity to lead one of the MLBs most exiting offenses with Elly De La Cruz. Lowe will have the opportunity to revitalize his career in a hitters friendly ballpark.

I believe that the addition of Lowe is extremely underrated, as he was once a former silver slugger who was considered an afterthought last season.

Cincinnati has played their chips right, and instead of breaking the bank on players such as Kyle Schwarber, they got Suarez and Lowe for $20 million dollars cheaper.