Eugenio Suárez Returns to Cincinnati Reds with $15 Million Deal

Cincinnati Reds fans are poised to welcome back a familiar power hitter. Eugenio Suárez and the Reds have agreed to a one-year contract worth $15 million, according to two individuals with knowledge of the negotiations.

Return to Cincinnati

The agreement is pending a physical examination and has not yet been publicly announced. Suárez, a two-time All-Star, previously played seven seasons with the Reds, hitting 189 home runs from 2015 to 2021, including 49 in 2019.

Addressing a Need

This move provides Cincinnati with a proven power bat they’ve been seeking throughout the offseason. The 34-year-old Suárez has primarily played third base throughout his 12-year Major League career. He is expected to be Cincinnati’s primary designated hitter, potentially seeing some playing time at third or first base.

Did You Know? The Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati has averaged 2.67 home runs per game since opening in 2003, the second-highest rate in Major League Baseball among stadiums hosting at least 1,200 games.

The Reds already have Ke’Bryan Hayes, a Gold Glove winner, at third base, and highly-regarded prospect Sal Stewart is projected to play first base. Suárez was a player the Reds considered acquiring at the trade deadline last year but were unwilling to part with key prospects.

Recent Transactions

Suárez was traded from Arizona to Seattle on July 31st and finished fifth in the majors with 49 home runs and fourth with 118 RBIs. He batted .228 overall with an OPS of .824. The Seattle Mariners reached the American League Championship Series, falling short of their first World Series appearance after a loss to Toronto. Suárez hit two home runs in the fifth game of that series, including a grand slam in the eighth inning.

Expert Insight: Suárez’s return to Cincinnati represents a strategic move to bolster the team’s offensive capabilities. His established track record as a power hitter, combined with the park’s propensity for home runs, could significantly impact the Reds’ performance.

Suárez initially joined Seattle via a trade from the Reds during spring training in 2022 and spent two seasons with the Mariners before being traded to the Diamondbacks. He debuted in the majors with Detroit in 2014 and has a career batting average of .246 with 325 home runs, 949 RBIs, and an OPS of .792.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Eugenio Suárez’s new contract with the Reds?

Eugenio Suárez has agreed to a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

How many home runs did Suárez hit for the Reds in 2019?

Eugenio Suárez hit 49 home runs for the Reds in 2019.

Where did Suárez play before returning to Cincinnati?

Prior to returning to Cincinnati, Suárez played for the Seattle Mariners and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Will Suárez’s return to Cincinnati significantly impact the Reds’ offensive lineup this season?