Eugenio Suárez Returns to Cincinnati Reds
Eugenio Suárez has returned to the Cincinnati Reds on a one-year contract valued at $15 million, according to reports from sources familiar with the discussions, as reported by the Associated Press late Sunday. The agreement, which is pending a physical examination, has not yet been officially announced.
Suárez’s Career Highlights
Suárez was considered the most prominent power hitter available during the offseason and marks his comeback to Cincinnati, where he previously played seven seasons. Between 2015 and 2021, he blasted 189 home runs for the Reds, including a standout performance in 2019 where he hit 49.
Impact on the Team
This acquisition provides the Reds with the offensive firepower they were looking for this offseason. Although Suárez has primarily played third base throughout his 12-year career, the 34-year-old is expected to serve mainly as the team’s designated hitter while also potentially filling in at third or first base. Ke’Bryan Hayes, a Gold Glove winner, is currently stationed at third, and promising prospect Sal Stewart might occupy first base.
Previous Interest and Performance
The Reds had previously shown interest in Suárez during last season’s trade deadline but opted against trading away key prospects to secure his services. Eventually, he was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Seattle Mariners on July 31, where he concluded the season impressively, ranking fifth in Major League Baseball with 49 home runs and fourth with 118 RBIs, although he maintained a batting average of .228 and an OPS of .824.
Playoff Performance
The Mariners narrowly missed the chance to compete in their first World Series, falling to Toronto in the American League Championship Series, with Suárez making a notable impact in Game 5 by hitting two homers, including a grand slam.
Great American Ball Park
Since the opening of Great American Ball Park in 2003, the venue has seen an average of 2.67 home runs per game, establishing it as the second-highest home run rate among MLB parks with over 1,200 games played. Suárez, originally entering the major leagues with the Detroit Tigers in 2014, has a career batting average of .246, complemented by 325 home runs and 949 RBIs over his tenure.
A New Chapter
This marks a new chapter for Suárez, who was traded to Seattle during spring training in 2022 and subsequently moved to the Diamondbacks before this transaction with the Reds. As he rejoins Cincinnati, fans are hopeful for his return to form and continued success in the coming season.
