Reds have a perfectly logical reason to keep Eugenio Suarez beyond the 2026 season

Some fans might say that 2026 has been a forgettable season for Eugenio Suárez, and they're not entirely wrong. Suárez returned to the Cincinnati Reds during the offseason on a one-year, $15 million deal, and most expected the two-time All-Star to crush 40-plus home runs upon his return to the hitter-friendly confines of Great American Ball Park.

Unfortunately, Suárez has fallen well short of those (admittedly lofty) expectations and has yet to eclipse 20 homers on the year. Geno is hitting an unimpressive .210/.288/.419 with an 88 wRC+, and spent a month on the injured list earlier this season with an oblique strain.

Suárez has typically acted as the Reds' designated hitter in 2026, but when Ke'Bryan Hayes was on the IL, the longtime third baseman saw plenty of time at the hot corner. His defense isn't what it used to be, however, as evidenced by his three errors, -4 defensive runs saved (DRS) and -5 outs above average (OAA).

But Suárez — as he's prone to do this time of year — has kicked things up a notch ever since the All-Star break. In the 27 games since the Midsummer Classic, Geno is hitting .213/.296/.500 with seven homers, 15 RBI, and a 106 wRC+. That's a far cry from where those numbers were during the 67 games before the All-Star break (.208/.285/.388 with 11 home runs, 35 RBI, and an 80 wRC+).

If Suárez is able to maintain his current pace, he'll finish the year with 29 home runs and 72 RBI. Those aren't terrible numbers overall, but a strong finish — even one that pushes Geno over 30 homers — won't be enough to convince the Reds to pick up their end of the slugger's $16 million mutual-option.

But it might be enough to generate some interest in a reunion for 2027, albeit at a discounted rate. If the Reds decline Suárez's mutual-option, which they should, that doesn't negate Cincinnati from re-signing the 35-year-old to a more team-friendly deal.

Despite some early-season struggles, the Reds should re-sign Eugenio Suárez this offseason

Immediately, the naysayers are going to ask, "Why would you even think of re-signing Suárez?" To which I'd respond, "Who else is going to sign to play for the Reds in 2027?"

The Reds were rejected by Kyle Schwarber last winter, despite Cincinnati's aggressive five-year, $125 million offer. Looking ahead to this winter's free agent class, there aren't many impact bats who are likely to find their way to Cincinnati. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is looking for a big payday, Randy Arozarena will be outside the Reds' price range, and the other options are no better than Suárez.

Reds fans watched Nick Castellanos turn a disappointing 2020 season into an All-Star campaign in 2021. Suárez is capable of a similar turnaround, and the two sides could easily find common ground.

Josh Bell signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Washington Nationals last winter after posting a .741 OPS with 22 home runs in 2025. Austin Hays landed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Chicago White Sox after hitting .266/.315/.453 with 15 home runs in Cincinnati last season.

If the Reds sign Suárez to a similar deal during the upcoming offseason, it could be mutually beneficial for both parties. The Reds would have a middle-of-the-order bat on a cheap, one-year deal, and Suárez could look to bounce back after a disappointing season while playing in one of the most hitter-friendly venues in MLB. It's win-win. Good vibes only, Reds fans.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow