MLB: Eugenio Suárez clears waivers, remains with Reds after trade speculation

Cincinnati Reds' veteran slugger Eugenio Suárez, a 35-year-old with 344 career home runs, found himself in a precarious position after being placed on waivers on August 27, the same day he hit a crucial grand slam to help his team secure a comeback victory. Teammate TJ Friedl was also placed on waivers.

Under Major League Baseball rules, placing a player on waivers allows any of the other 29 teams the opportunity to claim them. However, according to reports, Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall and General Manager Brad Meador informed both Suárez and Friedl that they had cleared waivers, meaning they would continue their season with Cincinnati.

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I have nothing to say, it's not my job, it's their decision. My job is to play baseball.

Suárez acknowledged the situation with a degree of detachment, stating, "I have nothing to say, it's not my job, it's their decision. My job is to play baseball." He expressed relief and happiness at remaining with the Reds, emphasizing that being told he cleared waivers and is still with the team is what matters most. He plans to continue playing his best for the team.

Sources familiar with the Reds' decision suggest that placing Suárez and Friedl on waivers may have served a dual purpose. One objective could have been to reduce the team's payroll. Another potential reason was to offer Suárez and Friedl the chance to join teams actively competing for a postseason spot, should another club decide to claim them. Reds manager Terry Francona commented that the matter should have remained confidential and expressed disappointment in those who did not uphold that secrecy.

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I just got the call that I cleared waivers, and I'm still with the team, that's what matters to me. From here on out, it's the same thing, play ball as hard as I can for the team and see what happens.