Former MLB All-Star suddenly released, hit 49 home runs last season with 118 RBI

The Cincinnati Reds have made a surprising MLB roster decision involving veteran slugger Eugenio Suárez, placing the two-time All-Star on outright waivers.

The 35-year-old has 48 hours to be claimed by another team , creating the possibility that a player who hit 49 home runs and drove in 118 runs last season could suddenly be headed elsewhere.

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Suárez’s shocking fall from grace

Aug 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Eugenio Suarez (28) prepares to bat with his PlayersO Weekend bat against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images The move is particularly surprising because of what Suárez accomplished in 2025. He hit 49 home runs with 118 RBI, tying his career high in homers and setting a new career best in RBI. That performance earned him another All-Star selection and helped convince Cincinnati to bring him back on a one-year, $15 million contract during the offseason.

Unfortunately for Suárez and the Reds, the reunion hasn’t gone according to plan.

Through 103 games this season, Suárez is hitting just .208/.295/.410 with 19 home runs and 57 RBI, a significant drop from his production a year ago. He also missed time earlier this season with a left oblique strain.

The Reds entered Thursday at 63-71 and nine games out of the final National League Wild Card spot, making it increasingly difficult to justify keeping veterans who aren’t performing at a high level.

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Could another team take a chance?

Aug 17, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez (28) hits a single in the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images The interesting part of the situation is that Suárez still has legitimate power.

He just hit 49 home runs last season, and his 19 homers this year still rank among Cincinnati’s team leaders despite his struggles. He also showed Wednesday that the power hasn’t completely disappeared, hitting a grand slam during the Reds’ dramatic seven-run ninth inning against the Giants.

Most MLB playoff teams could benefit from adding a right-handed power hitter with experience that they can use in a platoon situation.

However, that team would have to take on the roughly $3 million remaining on his 2026 salary. Given his .208 batting average and .705 OPS, that could be enough to prevent a contender from making a claim.

If Suárez clears waivers, Cincinnati could retain him rather than losing him outright. If another team does claim him, though, the Reds would suddenly lose a veteran who was expected to be one of the biggest offensive pieces of their lineup when they signed him in February.