MLB Trade Rumors links Reds to one free agent reunion fans would absolutely love

It remains to be seen whether or not the Cincinnati Reds will wade into the deep waters of free agency or remain in the shallow end of the pool. Regardless of how they do it, the Reds must find a way to bolster their lineup for the 2026 season. The writers at MLB Trade Rumors seem to think that a potential reunion between the Reds and Eugenio Suárez might just be a perfect fit this offseason.

Recently, MLBTR released their annual predictions for the top 50 free agents, and two of the four contributors pegged the Reds as a potential landing spot for Suárez. The Athletics and Boston Red Sox were also mentioned as potential suitors. Suarez was a fan-favorite throughout his tenure in the Queen City, and there was talk of a reunion at last year's trade deadline before Cincinnati decided to swing a deal for Ke'Bryan Hayes instead.

Suárez and Hayes both play third base, and the two-time Gold Glove Award-winner is under contract for another four seasons. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean the Reds have abandoned the idea of reuniting with Geno this winter. If Suárez would entertain the notion of switching to the other side of the diamond, there's a chance that the two sides could work out a deal.

MLB Trade Rumors links Reds to All-Star infielder Eugenio Suárez

MLBTR predicts that Suárez should be able to find a team willing to pay him $63 million over the next three seasons. That might be a bit outside the Reds' price range, and is almost as much as Cincinnati paid for four years of Mike Moustakas in 2019. Given the Reds' 2026 payroll isn't going to increase from last year, adding $21 million to the ledger over the course of the next three years might be a bit of a stretch. Still, it's worth exploring.

Though some Reds fans would sharply disagree, first base is far from a settled position heading into spring training. Spencer Steer gallantly fought through injury last season and played terrific defense at first, but his bat let him down. Sal Stewart flashed plenty of potential during his first month in the big leagues, but he still has to prove himself.

The Reds have lost two of the biggest bats from last season — Austin Hays and Miguel Andujar — to free agency. Cincinnati needs to find a middle-of-the-order bat this offseason, and Suárez could definitely fit the bill. Whether at first base or acting as the team's DH, Suárez's bat could have a massive impact on the Reds' lineup heading into next season.

Those same fans who are advoacting for the Reds to sign Kyle Schwarber should be just as excited about a reunion with Geno. Both players posted a slugging percentage above .520 and recorded 49 or more homers last season. Since 2019, Suárez has hit 227 home runs to Schwarber's 268. One could argue that Schwarber is the more disciplined hitter, but both have a strikeout rate over 28%.

Unfortunately for the Reds, Schwarber will be well outside their price range — likely to sign for $30 million AAV or more. Suárez, however, would be a nice consolation prize and a reunion with the Reds this winter should not be quickly dismissed.