Reds' Price hints Cozart, Suarez will be 'regulars'

SAN FRANCISCO — Reds manager Bryan Price is never one to reveal too much about his plans too far in advance. But he had an interesting answer to the Eugenio Suarez-Zack Cozart question.

"I think about it quite often," Price said. "It's a nice problem to have. I'll probably have more to say when we get closer to spring training. But I think they both fit in our ball club as regulars."

Suarez, of course, has been playing shortstop since Cozart had a season-ending knee injury on June 10. Cozart is the better defender.

For both to be regulars, it would likely place Suarez in left field. The 24-year-old could also play second base or third base, but with Brandon Phillips and Todd Frazier both signed for 2016, that is not a possibility – barring a trade.

Suarez says he's fine with playing another position.

"I just want to play in the major leagues," he said. "I think I could do it, play left."

The Reds got Suarez in the trade with Detroit of Alfredo Simon. Suarez went into Monday's game against the San Francisco Giants hitting .285 with 11 home runs and 44 RBI. He had played in 80 games, so that projects to 22 home runs and 88 RBI over a full season.

"He's been terrific," Price said. "I think the reason he was so attractive to us in the trade was because he felt, if something did happen to Zack Cozart, he could step right in immediately and be an everyday shortstop. He has not disappointed.

"He had one little spell shortly after he came up, where, defensively, he had a string of mistakes. Since then, he's been really good. He's been very reliable at short."

Despite Suarez's willingness to play anywhere, his greatest value is at shortstop. Cozart will be arbitration-eligible for the second time after this season. He's making $2.35 million this year. He'll likely get at least $4 million in '16 and would be due to make up to $8 million in '17, depending on his numbers.

Suarez has exceeded the Reds' expectations offensively, too.

"The offense has been better here than at any other place," Price said, "better than anywhere else in the minor leagues, better than any time last year with Detroit. He's hit better in the major leagues than he hit at Triple-A Louisville.

"And he's been a run producer – extra-base hits, not just homers, but doubles. He's scoring runs, driving in runs and hitting all over the lineup. It's been a very impressive run for this kid."