The MLB offseason always has its fair share of surprises, but every winter, there’s one move-or non-move-that stands out above the rest. This year, it’s Eugenio Suárez. The veteran slugger didn’t linger long on the market, but the fact that some contending teams didn’t make a stronger push for him has raised more than a few eyebrows.
Suárez, coming off a monster 2025 campaign with 49 home runs, 118 RBIs, and an .824 OPS, re-signed with the Cincinnati Reds on February 3. The deal?
One year, $15 million, with a mutual option for 2027. For that kind of production, it’s not just a good deal-it’s a steal.
And that’s where the criticism starts rolling in.
Former GM and MLB insider Jim Bowden didn’t hold back when discussing the situation on Foul Territory. He called out several teams-most notably the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, and Pittsburgh Pirates-for failing to be more aggressive in pursuing Suárez before he landed back in Cincinnati. “Shame on some of the teams that weren’t more aggressive,” Bowden said, pointing to missed opportunities that now look like clear missteps.
Let’s break that down.
The Yankees, with their heavily left-handed lineup, could’ve used Suárez’s right-handed power to bring some balance and protection in the middle of the order. Detroit has a glaring hole at third base, and Suárez would’ve slotted in as a much-needed veteran presence with pop.
And Pittsburgh? They reportedly matched-or even exceeded-Cincinnati’s offer but never sealed the deal.
That’s a tough one to explain.
When a guy hits nearly 50 bombs and drives in over 100 runs, you don’t usually see him sign for $15 million on a short-term deal. That’s not a high-risk, high-reward play.
That’s a layup. And a few teams flat-out missed it.
Meanwhile, the Reds leaned in-and it feels different this time. Suárez is back where he made a name for himself, and he’s clearly energized by the return. He’s expected to primarily serve as the designated hitter while still getting some time at third base, anchoring the middle of what’s suddenly a much deeper and more dangerous Cincinnati lineup.
Pair him with Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, and Tyler Stephenson, and the Reds have a potent mix of power, speed, and versatility. Against right-handed pitching, you’ll likely see TJ Friedl leading off, Elly creating chaos on the bases, Suárez driving in runs, and Matt McLain locking down the infield. Against lefties, expect some platoon adjustments, but the core remains strong.
Defensively, it’s not a perfect setup-but it doesn’t have to be. What the Reds have now is a lineup that can put pressure on pitchers from the first inning on. And with Suárez back in the fold, they’ve added a proven bat without breaking the bank.
For Cincinnati, this is a win. For the teams that passed? It’s a reminder that sometimes the best moves are the ones you don’t wait on.