Reds Pull Off Blockbuster Reunion Deal: Power-Hitting Infielder Returns to Cincinnati Just in Time for Playoff Push
Cincinnati, OH — July 24, 2025
The Cincinnati Reds have officially made a splash before the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline by bringing back a familiar face — slugging third baseman Eugenio Suárez is headed back to the Queen City in a headline-grabbing reunion with his former club.
The trade, finalized late Wednesday evening, sends right-handed pitching prospect Chase Petty to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Suárez, who currently leads the National League with 36 home runs and 86 RBIs. Suárez, who played in Cincinnati from 2015 to 2021 and was a fan favorite for his infectious energy and clutch power, is expected to rejoin the lineup immediately for this weekend’s series at Great American Ball Park.
Big Bat Returns to Help Spark a Playoff Run
The Reds — hovering just behind the final NL Wild Card spot — made no secret of their need for a right-handed power bat to stabilize their inconsistent offense. With Suárez mashing in Arizona and the Diamondbacks beginning to fade from contention, the opportunity for a trade was too perfect to pass up.
“This is a huge moment for us and our fans,” said Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall. “We’ve always loved Geno’s character, work ethic, and big-game ability. With where we are in the standings, this is the kind of bat that can lift us into October.”
Suárez’s return marks the team’s most aggressive buy move since their 2023 deadline haul, signaling clear intentions that the front office believes this group can contend.
Arizona Turns Page, Adds Young Arm
In return, the Diamondbacks acquire Chase Petty, a former first-round pick who has shown flashes of promise but struggled to find consistency in both Triple-A Louisville and in brief MLB stints this season. Arizona’s front office is reportedly excited about Petty’s upside, especially under a new development plan and with less pressure to produce immediately.
“This was not an easy decision,” said Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen, “but it’s one we felt made sense. We get a high-upside arm who could benefit from a fresh start while giving Suárez a chance to chase a ring in a place that clearly still loves him.”
The Fallout and What Comes Next
Suárez is expected to slot into the middle of the Reds’ order and resume his duties at third base, likely bumping Jeimer Candelario into a more flexible infield/DH role. The move also strengthens the team’s lineup against left-handed pitching, an area they’ve struggled with this season.
For the Diamondbacks, the trade opens up infield playing time for younger talent and allows the club to explore additional deadline moves focused on the future.
️ Fan Reaction and Nostalgia
Fans took to social media immediately to express their excitement over Suárez’s return, flooding team posts with messages like “Welcome Home, Geno!” and “Let’s run it back!” Suárez, who hit 189 home runs during his first Reds stint, is one of the franchise’s most popular players of the last decade.
Bottom Line:
The Reds didn’t just make a trade — they made a statement. In acquiring Suárez, they’ve reignited both their offense and the energy in Cincinnati. As the team pushes toward the playoffs, one thing is clear: the Queen City just got its slugger back.
