Reds interest in Eugenio Suarez and Austin Hays hits frustrating roadblock

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required), the Cincinnati Reds are still looking to add an impact bat. That's the good news. The bad news, however, is that Cincinnati's television deal for the 2026 season — which is currently in limbo — has the Reds' brass hesitant to spend.

Rosenthal revealed that the Reds are currently interested in a reunion with All-Star slugger Eugenio Suárez or free agent outfielder Austin Hays. But until the organization gains more clarity on their long-term TV deal, Cincinnati's pursuits could remain on hold.

This is terribly frustrating for a fanbase who's been hoping to see the Reds make a splash in free agency. Signing Suárez would obviously qualify as that type of of move, and while re-signing Hays isn't as flashy, it would still help to bolster a Reds lineup that needs more pop heading into the upcoming season.

Reds Rumors: TV uncertainty holding up potential deal for Eugenio Suarez or Austin Hays

If the Reds don't act quickly, it's quite possible that both Suárez and Hays could come off the board. Geno has drawn interest from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners among others, while the St. Louis Cardinals have been eyeing Hays. Fans are sure to debate whether Suárez or Hays is the better fit for the Reds' roster, but what's not debatable is the team's need for a middle-of-the-order bat.

Suárez should be No. 1 on the team's wishlist, but the Reds' payroll constraints could be keeping them from making a formal offer. The three-time All-Star is coming off a 49-homer season and should be able to command a salary close to $20 million per season. Hays would be the cheaper of the two options, with most estimates coming in around $7 million.

Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall has maintained throughout the winter that Cincinnati's 2026 payroll will remain about the same as last season's. According to FanGraphs, the Reds ended 2025 with a $119 million payroll, and current estimates have Cincinnati sitting on $112 million worth of commitments for the upcoming season.

Main Street Sports — the Reds former TV provider — has a revised offer on the table but it's contingent on the company finding a buyer. If that doesn't happen, it's likely that Major League Baseball will take over the Reds' broadcasts in 2026. Cincinnati is more likely to receive more TV revenue through Main Street Sports than MLB, which explains the spending freeze.

So while news of the Reds' interest in Suárez and Hays is certainly uplifting for fanbase, the lack of clarity surrounding the TV deal immediately torpedoes any optimism that might exist.