Matt’s Take: Geno returns, good vibes only
By Matthew McAdow
HCP columnist
The return of Eugenio Suarez
I can hear it now across the ball park, can’t you? “And your DH for the Cincinnati Reds….EUGENIO SUAREZ,” followed by loud cheers and a nostalgic feeling.
The home run slugging, bubble blowing, always optimistic baseball player is back on the Reds' roster and is ready to try and deliver a National League Central title to the Queen City. Just as I explained last week, this Reds' offseason has now improved to what I would grade as a “B.” This can improve even more with another addition, but I won’t get greedy.
The best news on getting a power bat is the fact that we didn’t lose an arm or any one of significance to obtain the bat that this middle of the order needed. For those that hate on the front office and Castellini, maybe thank them today, as they just got a power hitter that has many numbers that are better than Kyle Schwarber’s for just 15 million dollars. Maybe, just maybe, it’s time for you to forgive our friends Phil Castellini and Nick Krall.
Good vibes
Since Suarez left the Reds, no player has hit more than 25 home runs in a season for Cincinnati. He had 30 home runs before the All-Star break last season alone (49 total).
Suarez has hit 25+ home runs in seven of his last eight full seasons. Suarez has a better career WAR, more hits, more RBIs, and a better batting average than Schwarber. For a one-year deal and a mutual option of $15 million, Cincinnati got a steal.
Only five hitters since 2024 have hit more homers than Geno – Judge, Ohtani, Schwarber, Raleigh and Soto. And he now is coming back to Great American Ball Park.
Cincinnati added a power bat, but also ensured the Pirates didn’t get a power bat in Suarez, as they were highly interested.
Cincinnati added a bat without having to lose anyone currently in their rotation. If healthy, this rotation is top five in all of baseball.
Current projected lineups
vs RHP:
TJ Friedl – CF
Matt McLain – 2B
Elly De La Cruz – SS
Eugenio Suarez – DH
Sal Stewart – 1B
Noelvi Marte – RF
Tyler Stephenson – C
Spencer Steer – LF
Ke’Bryan Hayes – 3B
Bench – Benson, Myers, Trevino, Bleday.
Vs LHP
TJ Friedl – CF
Sal Stewart – 1B
Elly De La Cruz - SS
Eugenio Suarez – DH
Tyler Stephenson – C
Noelvi Marter – RF
Dane Myers – LF
Matt McLain – 2B
Ke’Bryan Hayes – 3B.
Bench – Benson, Bleday, Trevino, Steer
This could obviously change based on Spring Training performances, splits, and injuries. We also must consider Hector Rodriguez, Edwin Arroyo, Encarnacion-Strand, Ben Rortvedt, or Rece Hinds having a breakout Spring and making a splash on this roster.
This team has depth. While there are some weaknesses in the batting order, the rotation and bullpen should be stellar. To take this offseason to an “A,” the Reds could sign Kiner-Falefa, as Cincinnati is lacking a backup middle infielder. Espinal isn’t the answer, and an improvement could certainly be Kiner-Falefa on a cheap deal.
Reds baseball can’t come soon enough.