{
  "id": 3847210,
  "title": "MLB All-Star Slugger Clears Waivers After 49-HR Season",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/mlb-all-star-slugger-clears-waivers-after-49-hr-season",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-27T23:57:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/mlb-all-star-slugger-clears-waivers-after-49-hr-season-12377431"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "MLB teams overlooked a powerful slugger, Eugenio Suárez, during waivers. The Cincinnati Reds retained him after claims fell silent, per FOX19 s Charlie Goldsmith. Suárez, who hit 49 home runs last season, signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Reds. Just five players hit more homers from 2018-2025, including Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber, Shohei Ohtani, Matt Olson, and Pete Alonso. Suárez s 261 homers over that span and his .481 slugging percentage ranked seventh among third basemen. However, his 2026 performance has been disappointing. He s batting .208/.295/.410 with a 34.9% strikeout rate, the worst among hitters with at least 400 plate appearances. Despite 19 homers, he carries a -0.4 fWAR due to his poor contact and defense. Suárez, known for his streakiness, has hit 11 homers in July and August games. While he could have been a late-season pick-up for a contender, the Reds will see him out for the remainder of the season. The team sits nine games back from the National League's wild-card spot. Fellow outfielder TJ Friedl also went unclaimed, batting .158/.242/.234 in 76 games this season.",
  "summary": "No team claimed a two-time All-Star third baseman placed on waivers by his National League team this week.",
  "key_points": [
    "Cincinnati Reds retain Eugenio Suárez after waivers",
    "Suárez hit 49 home runs last season",
    "Suárez struggles in 2026 with .208 average"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Cincinnati Reds' decision to hold onto Eugenio Suárez, despite his struggling 2026 season, likely reflects their need for power hitting as they pursue a wild-card spot.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}