The Cincinnati Reds aren’t just tinkering around the edges this offseason - they’re clearly pushing their chips in under manager Terry Francona, who’s heading into his second year at the helm. After a strong return to the dugout and guiding the Reds to their first playoff appearance since 2020, Francona has a foundation to build on. And the front office is giving him the pieces to do just that.
Suarez Brings the Boom - But Where Does He Fit?
The Reds made one of the offseason’s more eye-catching moves by signing slugger Eugenio Suarez to a one-year, $15 million deal. Suarez is coming off a 49-homer campaign split between Arizona and Seattle - a reminder that his bat still packs serious punch. Cincinnati played the waiting game and landed a power bat without tying up long-term payroll, which could prove to be a savvy move if Suarez keeps launching balls into the seats.
But it’s not just about the bat. Suarez wants to play third base every day, and he’s more than capable defensively.
Still, the Reds already made a statement at that position when they traded for Ke’Bryan Hayes late last season. Hayes is one of the best gloves in the game at the hot corner, and Francona isn’t likely to sacrifice elite defense - especially when his team’s strength may lie on the mound.
So Suarez is likely to see most of his time as a designated hitter, anchoring the middle of the order with right-handed power. That gives the Reds a legitimate threat in the heart of the lineup - but it also adds a layer of complexity for Francona, who’s known for valuing contact, hustle, and situational hitting.
Suarez, for all his power, slashed just .228/.298/.526 last season with 196 strikeouts and only 46 walks. That’s a lot of swing-and-miss, and it may test Francona’s patience if the ball isn’t leaving the yard consistently.
The Lineup Still Needs Help - Especially in the Outfield
Suarez wasn’t the only offensive addition. The Reds also brought in J.J.
Bleday from the A’s and Dane Myers from the Marlins. But neither move screams “impact.”
Bleday hit just 14 home runs and drove in 39 runs last season, despite playing in Sacramento - a park that’s generally friendly to hitters. He also posted a .212/.294/.404 line with 92 strikeouts in 344 plate appearances.
Myers, meanwhile, profiles more as a depth piece - a fill-in outfielder who doesn’t project to move the needle offensively.
Then there’s the loss of Gavin Lux to the Tampa Bay Rays - a departure that could sting more than expected. Lux wasn’t a power guy, but he was a rally extender.
He slashed .269/.350/.374 with 28 doubles and 53 RBIs - a contact-first hitter who gave pitchers fits with his ability to keep innings alive. That kind of bat doesn’t always show up in highlight reels, but it matters over the grind of a 162-game season.
If the Reds are serious about contending - not just for a Wild Card spot, but for the NL Central crown and beyond - they still need another bat. Preferably one who can patrol the outfield and bring some left-handed balance to the lineup.
The Ideal Fit? Wilyer Abreu Could Be the Answer
Enter Wilyer Abreu. The Red Sox outfielder isn’t the most talked-about name on the market, but he might be the perfect fit for Cincinnati.
He’s a Gold Glove-caliber defender with a cannon for an arm, and he’s got legit pop at the plate. Last season, Abreu hit 22 home runs and drove in 69 runs over 115 games - a pace that projects to 30 homers across a full season.
He slashed .247/.317/.469, and that was playing in Fenway Park. Imagine what he could do in the hitter-friendly confines of Great American Ball Park.
Abreu wouldn’t just be a luxury - he’d be a solution. He’d give the Reds a left-handed bat with power, defense, and upside. He’s young, he’s athletic, and he’s only getting better.
The challenge? Making a deal work.
Boston has a crowded outfield with Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, Jarren Duran, and Abreu - but most of the trade chatter has centered around Duran. And for good reason.
Duran’s speed and energy make him a game-changer, and it’s hard to see Red Sox manager Alex Cora signing off on a deal that ships him out.
That makes Abreu the more realistic target. But the Red Sox aren’t just going to give him away.
They’re looking for help on the infield - particularly at second and third base - and that’s not an area of surplus for the Reds. Both teams have pitching depth, so a straight-up swap isn’t likely.
A Three-Team Deal Could Unlock the Trade
This is where a third team could come into play. If the Reds can find a partner willing to send an infielder to Boston, they could send one of their arms in return and land Abreu in the process. It’s the kind of creative, multi-team deal that’s tough to pull off - but it could be the key to unlocking the Reds’ full potential.
With Francona steering the ship, the Reds are in win-now mode. The Cubs are aggressive, the Brewers are always dangerous, and the rest of the National League isn’t getting any easier. But with one more bat - especially one like Abreu - Cincinnati could have the lineup balance and defensive versatility to make a real run.
They’ve already made bold moves. One more could push them over the top.