Terry Francona Address Sal Stewart, Eugenio Suarez Decision Ahead of Cincinnati Reds Season

The Cincinnati Reds are still sorting out key lineup decisions as Opening Day approaches, and one of the most intriguing involves two hitters expected to play major roles in 2026. With a mix of veteran power and emerging young talent, manager Terry Francona is weighing how best to structure the heart of the order. This winter, the Reds made a splash by reuniting with Eugenio Suarez, signing the right-handed veteran slugger to a one‑year, $15 million deal with a 2027 mutual option.

The 34‑year‑old earned that contract after a massive 2025 season split between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners, when he blasted 49 home runs and drove in 118 RBIs while earning his second career All‑Star selection. However, a rising prospect has complicated where Suarez fits in the lineup. Since Suarez returned from the World Baseball Classic, Sal Stewart has been hitting fourth behind Elly De La Cruz, with Suarez batting fifth.

That alignment has held over the past three spring training games, raising the question of who will ultimately hit higher in the order. Francona addressed the situation directly this past Sunday. “We will see.

I reserve the right to always make a lineup out that day. The reason we have been doing it is I think it sets Geno up to drive in more runs. With Elly hitting third, we separate maybe some strikeouts and also have a guy who can trail Elly.