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Last night, the Cincinnati Reds signed Eugenio Suarez. He was the best hitter still available on the free agent market and agreed to a one-year, $15 million contract with a mutual option ($16 million) for 2027.
Yes, it's unusual to see a player of his talent sign for only one year at a reasonable salary. However, his 49 home runs last year are not the only reflection of his game, and his strikeouts scared some clubs away.
But the Reds, who mainly want to use Suarez as a DH (and a bit in the infield corners) this season, weren't afraid to go for a one-year deal. They know the player because he has played in Cincinnati before, which helped.
But who else was interested in him?
The Pirates' name has come up often in recent weeks. And it appears that the Pittsburgh team was the finalist in the deal.
According to several sources, it was a toss-up between the two division rivals. And even though the Pirates were willing to offer more than $15 million and a two-year deal, the player wanted a one-year contract so he could return to the market quickly… and his past in Cincinnati tipped the scales.
I'm told the Pirates offered the same AAV on Eugenio Suarez ($15 million) and were willing to go higher, as well as add another year.
Sounds like his choice came down to a better ballpark fit, familiarity, and a chance to cash in next year with a big season.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) February 1, 2026
So he's joining a club that made the playoffs in 2025 and is well managed.#TitoFrancona
It's worth noting that the Boston Red Sox, which many people thought would sign Suarez to try to replace Alex Bregman's production, were never really in the running. This is a club that was surely afraid of his strikeouts.
Eugenio Suárez was between the Reds and Pirates at the end, source says, with the Red Sox not playing a meaningful role in his market.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 1, 2026
Will the Pirates and Red Sox, two clubs that could still add a bat, turn around and look elsewhere for their options? I wouldn't be surprised if rumors start to surface.
Brendan Donovan and Nico Hoerner are names to watch in Boston.
- Ty France: a robust market.
Free-agent INF Ty France “has a robust market,” per @ChrisCotillo
Cotillo notes the following teams have expressed interest in France:#DBacks#Yankees#Mets#Padres pic.twitter.com/ev8UulRVoH
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) February 2, 2026
- Luis Severino at the World Baseball Classic.
Luis Severino will take the mound for Team Dominican Republic
The two-time All-Star will pitch in his first #WorldBaseballClassic! pic.twitter.com/GXTfjRUd7F
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) February 2, 2026
- Framber Valdez: last big name available on the market.
There is only one player left from MLB Network's Top 100 players who is still a free agent pic.twitter.com/nuqE6OFs9K
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 1, 2026
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