The Cincinnati Reds ended a losing streak with a victory shortly before designating third baseman Eugenio Suárez for waivers. This move serves as an attempt to offload the remaining $3 million of the player's annual salary.
The $3 million gamble on Eugenio Suárez's contract
The Cincinnati Reds are attempting to shed financial weight by placing Eugenio Suárez on outright waivers. According to the report, the team hopes another Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise will claim the third baseman and assume the remaining $3 million of his $15 million one-year deal.
If a team claims Eugenio Suárez within a 38-hour window, the Cincinnati Reds are relieved of the payment obligation. However, if he remains unclaimed, the report notes the Reds will likely designate him for assignment, though the organization would still be responsible for paying the remainder of the contract.
From 49 home runs to a .205 batting average
The decline in Eugenio Suárez's production has been steep since his standout 2025 campaign,during which he hit 49 home runs. this season, the third baseman has struggled significantly, posting a .205 batting average, a .294 on-base percentage, and a .402 slugging percentage, while managing only 19 home runs.
Physical setbacks have further hampered the performance of Eugenio Suárez. the player spent a full month on the injured list earlier this season due to an oblique strain, and the report highlights that his defensive contributions at third base have been lackluster during his return to the Cincinnati Reds.
A 63-71 record and the failed trade of Jake Fridl
The decision to waive Eugenio Suárez reflects a broader collapse of the Cincinnati Reds' seasonal ambitions. The team began the year with high expectations after securing a wild-card berth in 2026 with an 83-79 record, but they now find themselves at 63-71 followinng Wednesday's game.
This downward trend was already evident leading up to the trade deadline. As the report indicates, the Cincinnati Reds were unable to find trade partners for either Eugenio Suárez or outfielder Jake Fridl, despite making both players available to the rest of the league. Currently sitting nine games out of the final National League (NL) wild-card spot, the Cincinnati Reds have little incentive to maintain an expensive roster for the final month of the regular season.
Which of the 29 MLB teams will bite?
A primary uncertainty remains whether any of the other 29 MLB teams view Eugenio Suárez as a viable late-season addition. While the $3 million price tag is relatively low for a player with a history of 49-home run seasons, his current offensive slump and defensive lapses make him a high-risk acquisition for any contending team.
Because the souurce only provides the perpsective of the Cincinnati Reds' financial motivations, it remains unclear if Eugenio Suárez or his representation have commented on the waiver move. Whether a team views his current .205 average as a temporary dip or a permanent decline will determine if the Reds successfully clear their books.
Comments 0