Reds reunite with 49-homer slugger at major discount with $15 million free agent news

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Reds reunite with 49-homer slugger at major discount with $15 million free agent news originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cincinnati Reds haven't had the best offseason, especially with the winter starting with Kyle Schwarber turning down their lucrative offer to re-sign with the Philadelphia Phillies instead of his hometown team.

While they traded for Gavin Lux, the majority of their free agent moves weren't major signings. However, that change shortly into February.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Reds have added a top-tier slugger. They're reportedly reuniting with 49-home-run slugger Eugenio Suarez on a $15 million deal that's great news for the Reds.

Reds land 49-HR Kyle Schwarber alternative on major discount​

"Slugger Eugenio Suarez and the Cincinnati Reds are in agreement on a one-year, $15 million contract that includes a mutual option for the 2027 season, sources tell ESPN," Passan reported.

This is some very big news for the Reds, as not only is this move taking the best hitter off the free agent market, but it's giving the Reds a power bat for the heart of their lineup they've been looking for this offseason.

While landing someone like Schwarber would've made for a fun free agent signing, adding Suarez for $15 million in 2026, and, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, $16 million in an option for 2027, it's a great pivot.

Suarez will slide into the Reds' designated hitter spot and give the Reds overall more flexibility when it comes to their platoon situation this upcoming season.

More: MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency

The 34-year-old third baseman won't likely play the field, but he can slot into third base or potentially even first base if needed. More importantly, he's a great hitter and someone the Reds needed badly.

After a huge 2025, where he hit 49 home runs and had 118 RBI in his best season since 2019 (when he hit 49 homers with the Reds), Suarez had a surprisingly quiet market.

But that's allowed the Reds to land him on a very reasonable $15 million one-year deal, which, compared to Schwarber's $150 million five-year deal, is just half of what the Phillies will pay him per-year.

For someone who's not far off from an offensive standpoint, this is a great deal for the Reds. Suarez is coming back to Cincinnati, and it's on a very reasonable deal.

More MLB news:​

• Orioles predicted to make $180 million splash signing with best free-agent starter
• Mets predicted to trade for 22-year old switch-pitcher from Mariners for slugger
• Tigers' Tarik Skubal gets $32 million contract update from ESPN's Jeff Passan
• Red Sox linked to free agent reunion with member of 2018 World Series championship team
• Yankees predicted to trade 22-year old rising star to fill big need
• Giants predicted to trade for 29-year old All Star

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