The Reds granted Suarez permission to step away during the Padres series so he can take his US naturalization test. A native of Venezuela who resides in Miami, Suarez has been studying for the exam as he works toward earning his American citizenship.

Alongside star infielder Elly De La Cruz, Suarez has been one of the team’s most consistent presences. With Cincinnati out of realistic contention, the front office is focusing on the offseason to evaluate whether Suarez fits into their future plans or if a trade or release makes more sense for next year.

While playoff contenders like the New York Yankees manage high-stakes injury timelines—such as manager Aaron Boone’s updates on Aaron Judge—the Reds are turning their attention toward reshuffling the roster for the upcoming season.

Reds’ projected lineup vs. Padres

With Suarez out of action, De La Cruz takes center stage to anchor the lineup against San Diego. Here is a look at Cincinnati’s projected batting order for the remainder of the series:

1. Elly De La Cruz — SS
2. Sal Stewart — 1B
3. JJ Bleday — LF
4. Tyler Stephenson — C
5. Matt McLain — DH / 2B
6. Héctor Rodríguez — RF
7. Ke’Bryan Hayes / Edwin Arroyo — 3B / IF
8. TJ Friedl — CF
9. Dane Myers / Ivan Johnson — OF / 2B
10. Probable Starter: Nick Lodolo (LHP) / Brady Singer (RHP)

With their postseason hopes virtually extinguished, the Reds are focused on finishing the regular season on a high note while building momentum for the offseason ahead.

The Yankees are routinely searching for right-handed power off the bench and have endured inconsistent production and injuries at the corner infield and designated hitter spots. However, acquiring Suarez comes with financial strings, as any claiming team must absorb the remainder of his contract.

Suarez is playing on a $15 million salary, leaving roughly $2.5 million to $3 million owed through the rest of the season. The luxury-tax-mindful Yankees may hesitate to absorb that remaining payroll for a rotational bench piece.

With Giancarlo Stanton sidelined, Suarez could offer solid right-handed depth for the remainder of the regular season. However, waiver claims are awarded in inverse order of the overall MLB standings. Because the Yankees hold one of baseball’s best records, several American League rivals with lower win totals would have priority to claim Suarez ahead of New York.

Other contenders who could target Suarez

If the Yankees pass—or get beat on priority—Suarez could still land with another postseason hopeful for the final month of the regular season and potential playoff roster eligibility.

The Detroit Tigers stand out as a potential fit given their need for corner infield help as they navigate a tight playoff race, where an experienced veteran right-handed bat could make an immediate impact.

Meanwhile, the Houston Astros have dealt with key offensive injuries all summer, leaving them thin on bench power and corner infield flexibility. Lastly, the Seattle Mariners are in the thick of the AL Wild Card hunt and frequently seek affordable late-season power and depth.

What happens if Suarez goes unclaimed?

If no club submits a claim during the 48-hour waiver window, Suarez will remain with the Reds for the rest of the season, with Cincinnati remaining responsible for the balance of his salary.

He could represent an intriguing late-season addition for a contender despite his struggles, which include a 35% strikeout rate alongside a modest .208/.295/.410 slash line. Time will tell if Suarez gets a chance to impact a pennant race or finishes out the year in Cincinnati.

According to a team announcement shared on X, the Reds confirmed Suárez’s next step in his recovery. “The Reds today sent IF Eugenio Suarez to Triple-A Louisville on a rehab assignment,” the club posted.

The move suggests Suarez could be nearing a return to the major league roster, especially since position players can spend a maximum of 20 days on rehab assignments without being activated. His immediate placement at the Triple-A level also indicates he is progressing well in his recovery process.

Suarez is in his first season back with Cincinnati after previously playing for the club from 2015 to 2021. In 25 games this year, he is batting .231 with a .300 on-base percentage, along with three home runs, 11 RBIs, and 10 runs scored.

Suarez return could boost struggling Reds lineup

Cincinnati’s offense has struggled to find consistency this season, ranking near the bottom of the league in key categories. The Reds currently sit tied for 17th in runs scored, while also ranking 27th in batting average and 24th in on-base percentage.

The potential return of Suarez would provide an important boost to a lineup that has lacked production in key moments. His power and experience remain valuable assets as the team tries to stay competitive in the NL Central race.

Reds continue battling injuries while staying in contention

Injuries have been a major storyline for Cincinnati, with seven players currently on the injured list. Despite that, the Reds recently snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies, improving their record to 25-24.

Cincinnati now sits 4.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the division standings as they prepare to close their series with Philadelphia before facing the St. Louis Cardinals.

Suarez’s rehab assignment now becomes one of the most closely watched developments for a Reds team hoping to stabilize both its roster and its playoff positioning in the weeks ahead.

Suárez’s price dropped to a surprisingly affordable $15 million, yet Philadelphia chose not to pursue him. His inconsistency at the plate may have been a factor, but the decision has sparked debate over whether the team could have strengthened its roster for 2026 with minimal financial risk.

MLB analyst Tim Kelly recently argued that the Phillies “choked” by not following up on Suárez after his market value fell. “As things stand now, Rob Thomson may very well be forced to have Alec Bohm — making $10.2 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility — hit cleanup for a team with World Series aspirations,” Kelly said.

He added, “What we learned Sunday evening is they could have had Eugenio Suárez hitting cleanup and playing third base on Opening Day for $15 million.” While Suárez isn’t perfect, his two 49-homer seasons make him a dangerous bat, one that might have transformed Philadelphia’s lineup immediately.

Is Alec Bohm a long-term solution at third base?

Even with Suárez sidelined, the Phillies still face uncertainty at third base as Evan Macy of PhillyVoice notes that Alec Bohm — along with Adolis García and José Alvarado — may not be part of Philadelphia’s plans beyond 2026.

The Phillies may still make a trade or find a long-term option before or during the 2026 season. Until then, Philadelphia will open the year with Bohm or internal alternatives at third, leaving fans to wonder how the lineup could have looked with Suárez in place.

“I’m told the Pirates offered the same AAV on Eugenio Suarez ($15 million), were willing to go higher, as well as add another year,” Jason Mackey of the Post-Gazette Sports wrote on X, making it clear that Pittsburgh had been pursuing Suárez for some time, as previously reported.

According to Mackey, Suárez’s decision to ultimately sign with the Reds came down to familiarity with the organization and the potential to secure a bigger contract down the line. “Sounds like his choice came down to a better ballpark fit, familiarity and a chance to cash in next year with a big season.”

Could the 2026 lockout affect Suarez’s future?

It’s still uncertain whether the lockout will actually happen, as has been predicted for several months, but Suarez could be seriously impacted by it. At least his $15 million for the 2026 season is guaranteed, but in situations like this, everything in MLB could come to a halt.

If a lockout occurs in December 2026, the transaction freeze would likely force Suárez to decide on his 2027 option early without knowing the future league rules. A work stoppage could also delay his 2027 paychecks and eat into the season he needs to prove he is still a top-tier slugger.

In any case, the Reds not only have Suarez locked in, a player who already knows the team, but they can also wait patiently if this type of situation occurs in the league. A lockout can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how quickly the owners and the players’ union can find common ground.

“Suarez is likely to see most of his at-bats at DH, also playing some first base and third base. Sal Stewart will have a similar role, while Spencer Steer will play some outfield and be used in more of a utility role,” Mark Feinsand wrote on X.

Suárez had a strong 2025 season, but some MLB teams appeared hesitant due to the slugger’s age. Seattle also chose not to retain him, largely because several prospects needed playing time, and with Suárez occupying a position, that opportunity became limited.

Suárez could once again give the Reds what they need

It’s worth remembering that Suárez’s 2019 season with Cincinnati was one of several standout years he had with the club. That year, he hit 49 home runs with a .271 batting average, producing 87 runs, 156 hits, and 103 RBIs. Three of his five best home-run seasons have come with the Reds.

“The Cincinnati Reds, starving for power, haven’t had a player hit more than 25 HRs in a single season since Eugenio Suarez’s departure after 2021. Suarez had 30 homers alone by the All-Star break last year. He has hit at least 25 homers in seven of his last eight full seasons,” Bob Nightengale wrote.

MLB insider Jeff Passan labeled Suárez the “best bat left on the market” in his report on the $15 million deal he signed with Cincinnati. One of the most appealing aspects of the contract is that Suárez will have a mutual option with the Reds for the 2027 season, depending on how he performs this year.

The report came from Adam Jude during an appearance on Foul Territory. Jude noted that Suarez would be an ideal fit for the Mariners but emphasized that the organization is reluctant to block its top prospects. “He [Suárez] checks all the boxes, an amazing clubhouse guy,” Jude said. “They [the Mariners] have a lot of young, talented infielders coming, knocking at the door.”

“They don’t want to block those guys,” Jude added, specifically pointing to Emerson as a prime candidate to take over at third base, a factor that could be one of the main obstacles to Suarez returning to Seattle next season.

With or without Suarez, the Mariners’ offseason hasn’t gone well

According to part of Adam Jude’s report, the Mariners have not had a strong offseason. The situation appears to go beyond prospects and the Suarez case, as the beat writer notes that while the team is still looking for players on the market, the roster currently feels incomplete.

“There’s some bubbling frustration brewing with Mariners fans,” Jude said, adding that rumors surrounding Brendan Donovan continue to circulate but that nothing serious has materialized so far. He did note, however, that the Josh Naylor contract was an important step for the organization.

“Need to know how this is possibly a B offseason. They’ve subtracted more than they’ve added. They’re short two bats and at this moment they’re worse than they were when the year ended. It’s a D+ for me,” Mariners fan Ben Sansaver wrote on X (@sansaver23).

After missing out on Alex Bregman, Boston has explored multiple alternatives, including trade scenarios involving infield depth. However, as spring training approaches and asking prices remain steep, the free-agent market, including Suárez, is beginning to draw renewed attention from the front office.

That shift was highlighted when Suárez appeared in a recent roster projection by MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, who suggested Boston could see unexpected value in the slugger. “Running parallel to all of that is what seems to be a slow market for Suárez, who isn’t a great defender and strikes out too often but did mash 49 homers last year,” Cotillo wrote.

He also added, “A rival agent speculated this week that he thinks Suárez’s deal is going to come in much lower than initial projections suggested, meaning the Red Sox might see the value in getting the slugger on a very palatable deal.”

Suárez’s power

Despite defensive concerns, Suárez’s offensive profile stands out. He split the 2025 season between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners, earning his second career All-Star nod while delivering elite power production.

Across 159 games, Suárez hit .228 with 49 home runs and 118 RBIs. Had those numbers been posted in Boston, he would have led the team in both categories by a comfortable margin, instantly upgrading the lineup’s middle-of-the-order threat.

Boston keeps multiple paths open

While Craig Breslow and the Red Sox front office continue to explore trade possibilities, no deal appears imminent. With the competitive balance tax already a factor, flexibility will matter as much as talent.

As roster construction enters its final stages, the Red Sox may find that their answer at third base lies not in a blockbuster deal, but in a calculated free-agent move.

Traded midseason from the Arizona Diamondbacks back to the Seattle Mariners, a franchise familiar with his profile and production, he reminded the league why his power remains among the most bankable commodities in today’s game.

After Jim Bowden shed light on Eugenio Suárez’s stalled market as 2026 spring training approaches, front offices are now recalibrating rosters and payrolls. The question is no longer whether teams will pursue Suárez, but how aggressive they’re willing to be as the market begins to take shape across MLB.

Suárez’s suitor

According to Jon Heyman, the Mariners remain the most logical fit, largely due to comfort and timing. Despite Seattle’s deep farm system, the organization has been hesitant to commit long-term money, a stance that could align perfectly with Suárez’s market if flexibility becomes a priority. “I’m still going to say the Mariners first, but they have so many great prospects,” Heyman said, emphasizing Seattle’s preference for shorter commitments.

Heyman also pointed to Suárez’s familiarity with the clubhouse and recent production as deciding factors. “If he’s willing to do a one-year deal, they like him… Obviously, close to 50 home runs,” he added.

Which other teams could realistically enter the sweepstakes?

Beyond Seattle, Heyman identified two additional clubs with clear offensive needs. The Pittsburgh Pirates, still searching for middle-of-the-order reliability, were mentioned as a strong secondary option given their lack of proven power depth. “Pirates still need a hitter, so I’m going to put them for number two for Suárez,” Heyman said.

The Cincinnati Reds also surfaced as a familiar and logical destination. Suárez spent six seasons in Cincinnati earlier in his career, and the club’s ongoing search for consistent run production could open the door to a reunion. “I think they still need a little more offense, so I could see Suarez for them as well,” Heyman concluded.

Among the names circulating, Eugenio Suárez, a two-time All-Star and one of the game’s premier power hitters, has emerged as a top candidate to fill that void. The Phillies are reportedly seriously considering Suárez as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the NL East.

Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer highlighted the strategic fit: “The heat is on the Phillies to do something in response, and signing Suárez is arguably the best play they can make. He’s one of the best pure power hitters in the sport, so he and Citizens Bank Park would figure to be a dream matchup,” Rymer wrote.

Suárez’s 2025 season was a power surge

Suárez finished the 2025 MLB season with 49 home runs and over 120 RBIs across 159 games split between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners. On April 26, he became the 19th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game against the Atlanta Braves, a historic performance despite a team loss.

Career achievements make him an attractive option

Since debuting with the Detroit Tigers in 2014, Suárez has compiled 325 home runs, 1,434 hits, and a .240 career batting average over more than 5,800 at-bats with the Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Mariners, and Diamondbacks.

Multiple 30-homer seasons and clutch performances highlight his experience and ability to make an immediate impact, making him a logical target for the Phillies as they aim to rebound after Bader’s departure.

Speaking on Foul Territory, Bowden revealed why Suárez hasn’t received offers: “I talked to a GM this morning from a team that isn’t a non-contender. I asked him, ‘Why don’t you sign Suárez, put him in the lineup, and trade him at midseason for a prospect?’”

The GM told Bowden it wouldn’t be a smart move. “His response to me was, ‘Look at what he did last year, 49 home runs, and when we got to the trade deadline, there wasn’t a market for him. Arizona barely got a decent return.’”

Suárez drawing little interest

According to what the GM told Bowden, Suárez is not drawing real interest around the league. “They’re not pursuing him,” the anonymous GM said during the phone call about the Venezuelan third baseman’s situation.

Bowden added that, in his view, Suárez is not an ideal defensive third baseman for most MLB teams, and he hasn’t logged enough time at first base to be prioritized over younger players or others with more experience at the position.

“Believe it or not, a 49-homers guy doesn’t have a market right now,” Bowden said, highlighting the difficult spot Suárez finds himself in at age 34. Last season marked the second time in his career he hit 49 home runs, the first coming in 2019.

Bowden suggested Boston or Pittsburgh as potential fits, though he noted the Pirates are unlikely to spend, especially on a player like Suárez, and added that a designated hitter role could also be an option.