The Cincinnati Reds and third baseman Eugenio Suárez have agreed to a one-year contract worth $15 million, which includes a mutual option for 2027. This news comes according to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The team is expected to make an official announcement on Monday.
Suárez, 34, returns to the Reds after playing for the team from 2015-21 and had his greatest success in Cincinnati, including a 49-homer season in 2019. He split last season between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners, hitting .228 with 49 homers and
Slugger Eugenio Suárez 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. The best bat left on the market goes to Cincinnati, where he’s expected to get most of his at-bats at DH.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 1, 2026
The Reds’ 83-79 finish in 2025 saw them qualify for their first postseason berth since 2020, and their first in a full 162-game season since 2013. Signing Suarez is a clear indication that they want to take a step forward in the upcoming season from a wild-card team to a division winner.
Mariners’ youth will likely replace Suarez at third
Oct 20, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suarez (28) singles in the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game seven of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Either top prospect Colt Emerson or defensive wizard Ben Williamson will likely start at the hot corner on Opening Day. But from the comments made at the team’s FanFest by team president Jerry Dipoto, it sounds like the 20-year-old Emerson is the club’s most likely choice,
“[Emerson] is not going to knock on the door. He’s just going to knock it down. You know when you are watching it,” Dipoto said. “We trust that if these guys come into spring training and do their thing and are ready to go, we are going to give them their chance.”
CLICK FOR MORE: The 2001 Seattle Mariners will be honored with a statue at T-Mobile Park
Playing for both the Everett AquaSox and the Arkansas Travelers in 2025, Colt Emerson hit .278, with 14 home runs, 68 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 479 at-bats. He was also named the Northwest League Player of the Week for his strong performance with the AquaSox in July. The Mariners chose not to call him up last September, so he starts off his rookie campaign with zero MLB statistics.
More Seattle Mariners News & OpinionsCal Raleigh & Julio Rodriguez look to avenge the Mariners’ heartbreaking finish of 2025Rick Rizzs, iconic voice of the Mariners, announces he will retire after 2026 seasonThe Mariners need to steer their ship away from Brendan Donovan (for now)Logan Gilbert discusses how the Mariners’ rotation prepared for this season