A Q&A with All-Star Eugenio Suárez
In 2018, you signed a seven-year contract extension with the Reds. Now you’re on the final few months of that contract. How long ago does that feel?
Eugenio Suárez: “It feels that time has gone fast. We’re not stopping. Baseball keeps going. That’s my mentality right now. Keep going.”
Looking at these last seven years, you’ve had highs. You’ve had lows. You’ve been on a bunch of different teams. What’s the whole journey been like?
“It’s been great. A lot of highs and lows. At the same time, I enjoy my career. It’s a beautiful career so far. I want more. I don’t want to stop. I want to keep playing baseball and doing my bit for whatever team I sign with. I’ll do my best for them.”
I remember how emotional you were when the Reds traded you in 2022. What was the key to turning the page?
“The key was to turn the page quick. I spent seven years of my career in Cincinnati. They gave a lot to me and my family. I still have a part of my heart in Cincinnati. They were the team to give me the opportunity to stay in the big leagues and the contract and be who I am right now. I’ve got to keep going. My journey has been beautiful. But you want more.”
You look at the overall success you’ve had. What happened in 2021? Was it coming back from the shoulder injury?
“I don’t want to point to that as the thing. Sometimes, you’re down. That might have been something that impacted my year. At the same time, you look back and look forward. That’s the key. Obviously that was my bad year. I kept playing my best baseball and doing my thing.”
What was it like playing shortstop for a bit in 2021?
“I thought it was a good idea. Obviously it didn’t work out that way. I tried to help the team. Jonathan India made the team as a second baseman, and we needed a spot. It is what it is. He made the big league team and won Rookie of the Year. That’s something looking back that you see and you appreciate that too.”
