Every kid who plays baseball dreams of coming up to bat in the situation Eugenio Suarez found himself in: ninth inning, championship game, tie game, runner in scoring position.
On the seventh pitch of the at‑bat, Suarez drilled a ball hit 100.1 mph off the bat into the gap in left‑center and drove in the game‑winning run to help deliver Venezuela its first World Baseball Classic title.
Venezuela got the three final outs in the bottom of the ninth and was officially crowned champions.
Here is some background information on Suarez, who just signed with the Cincinnati Reds this offseason after previously playing with three different MLB teams.
MORE: Venezuela takes advantage of struggling USA offense, wins WBC title
Eugenio Suarez was born in Puerto Ordaz, Guayana City, Venezuela, on July 18, 1991.
The 34-year-old has played for four MLB teams: the Detroit Tigers , Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners , and Arizona Diamondbacks .
This offseason, Suarez returned to the Reds on a one-year, $15 million deal.
In MLB, Suarez plays third base.
For his country, the slugger served as the team’s designated hitter while WBC MVP Maikel Garcia played third.
MORE: Inside the tight 9th-inning call that helped Venezuela win the WBC
EUGENIO SUÁREZ PUTS TEAM VENEZUELA AHEAD IN THE 9TH!
pic.twitter.com/LtpLdYII5f — World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 18, 2026
EUGENIO SUÁREZ PUTS TEAM VENEZUELA AHEAD IN THE 9TH!
pic.twitter.com/LtpLdYII5f
Team USA was unable to respond in the bottom of the ninth, resulting in Venezuela's first WBC title.
MORE: Inside Venezuela's World Baseball Classic roster
Suarez served as Venezuela's designated hitter throughout the tournament.
In the five games he played, here are the stats the new Cincinnati Red accumulated.
In his 12-year career with the Tigers, Reds, Mariners, and Diamondbacks, Suarez has established himself as one of the MLB's premier sluggers.
Here are the stats he has accumulated in his career.
Eugenio Suarez is currently 34 years old.
The third baseman/DH was born in Puerto Ordaz, Guayana City, Venezuela, on July 18, 1991.
In his 12-year MLB career, he has suited up for four MLB teams: the Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Eugenio Suarez contract details
During the 2026 offseason, Suarez signed a deal with the team he once played for: the Reds.
He signed a one-year, $15 million deal.
The contract includes a $16 million mutual option for the 2027 season with no buyout.
Andrew Gitto is an Editorial Intern who joined the Sporting News team in February 2026.
He is an avid New York sports (Knicks, Mets, and Jets) and Manchester United fan who is patiently waiting to see his teams succeed.
Andrew graduated from Syracuse University in May 2025.
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