Nostalgia clashes with production as Cincinnati weighs the veteran slugger's future. With younger talent waiting, the front office must decide if power justifies a costly reunion.
The Cincinnati Reds face a big offseason decision with third baseman Eugenio Suarez. With a $16 million mutual option after 2026, both sides need to agree on his future.
Suarez has made it clear he wants to return to Cincinnati, but is that the best move for the Reds? Let’s dive into it.
When Suarez was signed, the fanbase rejoiced. He was a fan favorite during his first stint with the Reds, playing quality third base and hitting for power with regularity before he was traded to the Seattle Mariners alongside Jesse Winker in 2022.
The Reds pivoted to signing Suarez after missing out on Kyle Schwarber, whom most of the fanbase wanted. However, they got a power bat, which was the biggest need, at least in the opinion of Reds fans.
It recently came out that president of baseball operations Nick Krall wanted to sign Nick Martinez instead of Suarez, but owner Bob Castellini overrode him and signed Suarez because fans like home runs.
What happened? Suarez hit .212 with 26 home runs in a very disappointing season. Meanwhile, Nick Martinez had a 3.10 ERA in 170+ innings for one of the best seasons of his career, as the Reds' rotation was littered with injuries and disappointing seasons.
So, should Cincinnati bring Suarez back?
On the mutual option? No. On a new deal? Possibly.
I see the vision in possibly bringing him back. Suarez went on a great run in the World Baseball Classic, helping Venezuela beat Team USA in the championship to clinch the WBC title. Unfortunately, many players in the World Baseball Classic had shockingly bad seasons compared to expectations.
Paul Skenes posted a 3.82 ERA after winning the 2025 NL Cy Young and showing no signs of slowing down coming into 2026. Cal Raleigh hit .182 with 23 home runs after a record-breaking 2025, when he won the AL MVP. Both of those players played for Team USA.
Maybe a full spring training can help Suarez have a better year and get back to hitting around .240-.250 with 35-40 home runs, which would have helped this Reds lineup.
Ultimately, I think the Reds organization would benefit from cutting ties with Suarez and moving on after 2026. Other players in the Reds organization could use reps at third base. Maybe Edwin Arroyo? Does Tyson Lewis debut earlier than expected? Do you give Cam Collier a chance after a bad 2026 in AA? You could make Sal Stewart the everyday third baseman.
Maybe you go after a Randy Arozarena- or Yandy Diaz-type bat to add to the lineup. That would be a much better use of $15-20 million.
