Sports · Baseball · 4 hrs ago
Reds Decline Options for Eugenio Suárez and Pierce Johnson
The Cincinnati Reds declined 2027 mutual options for third baseman Eugenio Suárez and right-handed pitcher Pierce Johnson.
That means both players are now free agents, though Suárez could still return if he signs a new deal with Cincinnati.
Suárez is in his second stint with the Reds, after playing for the team from 2015 to 2021.
He hit 26 home runs last season, but his overall batting was only slightly above league average, and his defense at third base was rated poorly.
The Reds now have five openings on their 40-man roster, and they may seek a stronger option at third base through a signing or trade.
Cincinnati will pay Johnson a $1 million buyout instead of the $8 million he would have received if both sides had taken up his option.
The Reds declined their 2027 mutual options for third baseman Eugenio Suárez and right-hander Pierce Johnson.
Both players are now free agents, leaving five openings on the Reds’ 40-man roster.
The Reds will pay Johnson a $1 million buyout instead of the $8 million he would have received if both sides had exercised his option.
Suárez’s $16 million option had no buyout.
Suárez hit 26 home runs in 2026, but his overall line was .212/.307/.433.
- Who
- The Cincinnati Reds, Eugenio Suárez and Pierce Johnson.
- What
- The Reds declined the players’ 2027 mutual options, making both players free agents.
- When
- The announcement was reported on October 31, 2026.
- Where
- Cincinnati.
- Why
- The Reds declined the options; the sources do not state the team’s reasons.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Reds guaranteed Suárez $15 million and signed Johnson to a $6.5 million deal.
Suárez had a .208/.285/.388 line, and the Reds had a 43-52 record.
Suárez recorded an .852 OPS in August and a .935 OPS in September.
The Reds placed Suárez on revocable waivers, but no team claimed him.
The Reds’ decisions to decline the 2027 mutual options were reported.
- Suárez option
- $16 million; no buyout
- Johnson option
- $8 million if both sides exercised it
- Johnson buyout
- $1 million
- 40-man roster
- Five openings after the options were declined
- Suárez 2026 home runs
- 26