How Reds' lineup might look with Suárez anchoring cleanup

CINCINNATI – With Eugenio Suárez reunited with the Reds, manager Terry Francona's daily lineup should look more imposing to opponents than it did in 2025.

“When I see the lineup, I think we look very good. I can’t wait to put everything together," Suárez said on Tuesday after finalizing a one-year, $15 million contract with a $16 million mutual option for 2027.

• Eugenio rejoins rising Reds at perfect time: 'It made it easy for me to be back home'

Here is what Cincinnati's primary lineup could look like this season:

1. TJ Friedl, CF
2. Noelvi Marte, RF
3. Elly De La Cruz, SS
4. Eugenio Suárez, DH
5. Spencer Steer, LF
6. Sal Stewart, 1B
7. Tyler Stephenson, C
8. Matt McLain, 2B
9. Ke'Bryan Hayes, 3B

The order skews right-handed quite heavily, with the only lefty hitter being Friedl while De La Cruz is a switch-hitter. If there is a need for more left-handed hitters against a tougher righty pitcher, Francona will have options like Will Benson and JJ Bleday.

It's also possible for flexibility among the positions. While expected to primarily be the designated hitter, Suárez could also appear at first base or his usual position, third base, when Hayes is not on the field. Steer could be used in both corner outfield spots but also at first base or second base. Rookie and No. 1 prospect Stewart could be used at first base, second base, third base or DH.

However it works out, expect Suárez to be a constant presence in the cleanup spot and protection behind De La Cruz.

Putting Suárez in the middle of the order provides an immediate home run threat. Despite playing home games at the offensive haven of Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati was 21st in Major League Baseball with 167 homers last season. The club's leader was De La Cruz with 22 homers – but only four after the All-Star break.

“Obviously, a middle-of-the-order bat – that’s the top-of-the-line hitter, so that’s what you want first and then try to fill it out afterwards," president of baseball operations Nick Krall said.

Offense was an overall weakness of the Reds, especially situational hitting and scoring runs in extra innings. The Reds posted a 90 OPS+, which was 26th in MLB. Their .706 OPS was tied for 19th overall. The .245 team batting average was also 19th.

The Reds were 3-12 in extra-inning games but still went 83-79 overall and secured the final National League Wild Card spot. The Dodgers swept them in two games during the first round of the postseason.

While upgrading the bullpen and team defense were high priorities for the front office this offseason, offense was also a need.

“I don’t think it’s just home run power," Krall said. "Just adding offense to the group, whether it’s home run power, doubles power, guys that drive in runs. But it was something that we wanted to improve our offense, yes.”

The Reds were unsuccessful at luring Middletown, Ohio, native Kyle Schwarber to his hometown team as a free agent. In December during the Winter Meetings, Schwarber – who hit 56 homers last season – returned to the Phillies with a five-year, $150 million contract. On the trade market, Krall held firm about not tapping into Cincinnati's vast starting pitcher depth to get a hitter.

In the weeks and months after the Winter Meetings, it appeared that the Reds would come up empty in landing a big bat.

Enter Suárez, who tied his career high with 49 homers and batted .228 with an .824 OPS during an All-Star 2025 season. He hit 36 homers in his first 106 games with the Diamondbacks before he was sent to the Mariners in a Trade Deadline blockbuster that netted Arizona three of the Mariners’ top 30 prospects.

While capable of big power, Suárez is also prone to strikeouts and has led the Major Leagues three times. Last season, he struck out 196 times in 657 plate appearances (29.8 percent).

During his first tenure with the Reds from 2015-2021, Suárez hit 189 home runs. That included establishing his career high with 49 homers in 2019, which is also a record for a Venezuelan player.

Cincinnati has not had a hitter collect 30 homers since Suárez departed in a trade during 2022 Spring Training.

“I’m not here to be the superhero, but be my best version and put everything on the field, do my best and try to help the team win games," Suárez said. "I just came here to help my team be a better team on the field.”