MLB in brief: Eugenio Suarez to the Reds | Nico Hoerner to Boston?

Eugenio Suarez returns to Cincinnati

He will serve as the designated hitter.

Slugger Eugenio Suárez and the Cincinnati Reds have agreed to a one-year, $15 million contract that includes a mutual option for the 2027 season, sources tell ESPN. The best bat left on the market goes to Cincinnati, where he's expected to get most of his at-bats at DH.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 1, 2026

Nico Hoerner to Boston?

He and Matt Shaw are on the Red Sox's radar.

Red Sox “Checked In” On Nico Hoerner, Matt Shaw https://t.co/jYKDpPH05l pic.twitter.com/9c8rXIFx4l

— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) January 31, 2026

Kyle Tucker's momentum

Where did he come from?

“They were comparing this kid to Ted Williams. And I was like, ‘Well, that's kind of special.' I want to see this.”

On the making of Kyle Tucker's swing, his rise as a star MLB hitter, and why he's long been compared to Ted Williams

On @capostsports:https://t.co/L6XllczFEE

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) January 31, 2026

Carlos Santana in Arizona?

Possible.

FWIW: Arizona connected to Carlos Santana in the “complementary first baseman” search but haven't been able to confirm if it's done/close, etc. https://t.co/Pdlu6rYRO7

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 1, 2026

Shohei Ohtani, a simple guy

Despite his success.

Tyler Glasnow's description of Shohei Ohtani's personality https://t.co/kDjziKpY0z pic.twitter.com/GLzax42iqi

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 1, 2026

Freddie Freeman: we know more

He will not be representing Canada in the Classic for personal reasons.

Freddie Freeman said he is not playing in the WBC because of a personal situation. He said Team Canada was supportive

“I wasn't (going to be) able to go out there and play and be in Puerto Rico (for the group stage games) and be that far from my family. I needed to be close to…

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) January 31, 2026

Speaking of Canada: Nick Pivetta won't be there either.

Nick Pivetta will not pitch in WBC. He'll have other chances to pitch for Canada. His focus right now is on this Padres team.

— Jeff Sanders (@sdutSanders) January 31, 2026

Insurance is causing a stir

Will more guys than expected end up going to the World Baseball Classic?

A lot going on behind the scenes with this WBC insurance situation. Just days away from rosters needing to be locked in.

Really hope Puerto Rico can field a full-strength team in their home country. Would be incredible https://t.co/YVNSPOTVBN

— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) February 1, 2026

This content was created with the help of AI.