The Cincinnati Reds might be in the market for a third baseman this offseason, as last season saw limited production from Noelvi Marte and Jeimer Candelario. Many fans expect the Reds to seek an upgrade at the position during the winter.
A potential name that could energize Reds fans is former All-Star Eugenio Suárez. Once a mainstay at third base for the Reds, Suárez was traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2022 and spent last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He could enter free agency this offseason, but there’s a caveat.
Suárez’s contract, originally signed during his time with the Reds, includes a team option for the 2025 season. While some analysts believe Arizona might forgo the option, an MLB insider suggests the Diamondbacks could choose to exercise it.
MLB insider squashes the idea of potential Reds’ reunion with longtime fan favorite Eugenio Suárez
Jim Bowden, a familiar name for Reds fans, recently ranked the top-45 free agents for the upcoming offseason in an article for *The Athletic*. He placed Eugenio Suárez at No. 25 on the list, highlighting his impressive season with Arizona, where he hit 30 home runs and notched 100 RBIs. Bowden expects this strong performance will likely lead the Diamondbacks to exercise Suárez’s $15 million team option for 2025, rather than opting for the $2 million buyout that would send him into free agency.
If Arizona picks up Suárez’s option, they might still explore trading him. However, this scenario would mean that the Reds, or any other interested team, would not only assume his salary but also have to offer Arizona suitable trade assets for Suárez’s services.
If the Diamondbacks do decide to retain Suárez for next season, the free-agent market offers few third basemen who would provide a significant upgrade over Marte or Candelario. Alex Bregman, a top talent at the position, is likely well beyond Cincinnati’s budget, and options beyond him are limited.
For Reds fans hoping to see Suárez return, those dreams might have to wait. In the meantime, the Reds could consider shifting one of their versatile infielders—Jonathan India, Matt McLain, or Spencer Steer—to third base. What’s certain is that Cincinnati will need stronger production from the hot corner in 2025 to improve their chances of winning.
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