Reds FeedTJ Friedl
CF · Age 31 · Bats Left
Where things stand
TJ Friedl cleared outright waivers and will remain with the Cincinnati Reds after the team placed him on waivers hoping to shed salary. The 31-year-old outfielder has experienced a dramatic collapse in 2026, batting just .158 with three home runs through 71 games after hitting .261 last season, and was sent to Triple-A Louisville in an unsuccessful attempt to rebuild confidence. Friedl's struggles have led the Reds to likely non-tender him this offseason, with younger outfield options available to fill his roster spot.
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2026 season
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TJ Friedl coverage
Hector Rodriguez back at leadoff as Reds look to take series from Cubs
The Reds defeated the Cubs 10-8 on Friday behind home runs from Tyler Stephenson, Sal Stewart, Jose Trevino, and TJ Friedl. Rookie Hector Rodriguez, who batted ninth due to a Cubs left-handed starter, went 2 for 3 with a walk and an RBI while scoring twice. Rodriguez returns to the leadoff spot for Saturday's matinee at Wrigleyville, with Andrew Abbott taking the mound as Cincinnati seeks to win the series.
Red ReporterSuárez, Friedl back with Reds after clearing waivers
MLB.com RedsTerry Francona's harsh comments puts Reds execs in spotlight after Eugenio Suárez decision
Manager Terry Francona criticized whoever leaked information about the Cincinnati Reds placing Eugenio Suárez and TJ Friedl on outright waivers, calling the breach of confidentiality disrespectful. The details were reported by The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal before the 48-hour waiver claim period concluded, and neither player was claimed. Francona expressed uncertainty about whether the leak came from within the Reds organization or an outside source, but made clear his frustration with the violation of the confidential process.
Blog Red MachineEugenio Suarez surviving waivers gives him a chance to cement Reds legacy
Eugenio Suárez and TJ Friedl cleared waivers and will remain with the Cincinnati Reds for the remainder of the 2026 season after being placed on outright waivers. Suárez signed a one-year, $15 million deal with Cincinnati in February following a 49-home run 2025 season, but has struggled this year with a .208 average, 19 home runs, and a 91 wRC+, partly due to an oblique injury. Despite the disappointing offensive numbers, Suárez has reached 1,000 career RBIs and is climbing the Reds' all-time home run list, needing just three more homers to pass Ken Griffey Jr. for ninth place. He has shown signs of improvement in August with an .863 OPS and could potentially enter the Reds' top-25 all-time RBI leaders if he maintains his recent production through September.
Blog Red MachineTJ Friedl, Eugenio Suárez clear waivers and stay with Cincinnati Reds
Outfielder TJ Friedl and third baseman Eugenio Suárez both cleared waivers and will remain with the Cincinnati Reds. Friedl, owed $630,000 for the remainder of the season, has struggled offensively with declining speed and defensive value, while Suárez, who has $2.5 million remaining on his contract, hit a grand slam yesterday despite posting a .208/.295/.410 overall average this year. Both players will be available for Friday's series opener against the Chicago Cubs.
Red ReporterEugenio Suárez, TJ Friedl Clear Waivers, Will Remain With Reds
Eugenio Suárez and TJ Friedl cleared outright waivers and will remain with the Cincinnati Reds after no other team claimed them. The Reds had placed both players on waivers hoping to shed salary, with Suárez owed $2.57 million of his $15 million contract and Friedl owed $633,000 of his $3.8 million salary. Neither player has performed well this season, with Suárez batting .208 at age 35 and Friedl struggling at .158 through 253 plate appearances.
MLB Trade RumorsReds make Eugenio Suárez and TJ Friedl decision that signals painful offseason ahead
The Cincinnati Reds placed Eugenio Suárez and TJ Friedl on outright waivers, making them available to any team willing to absorb their remaining salaries of approximately $3 million and $700,000 respectively. Both players have struggled significantly in 2026, with Suárez experiencing his worst MLB season and Friedl disappointing after a strong 2025, contributing to Cincinnati's 8-games-under-.500 record and near-zero playoff chances. The moves suggest the Reds will not exercise Suárez's mutual option or re-sign him, while Friedl will likely be non-tendered after the season. The decisions indicate more roster changes ahead as multiple other players have also underperformed this season.
Blog Red MachineReds Place Eugenio Suárez, TJ Friedl On Waivers
The Reds placed designated hitter Eugenio Suárez and outfielder TJ Friedl on waivers, with the 48-hour process resolving Thursday afternoon. Both players remain eligible to play for Cincinnati during this period and can be claimed by other teams, though the Reds hope a contender will take on their remaining salaries. Suárez, hitting .208 with 19 home runs this season, has $2.5 million remaining on his $15 million salary and will become a free agent after the season. Friedl has struggled significantly in 2026, batting .158 with three home runs across 253 plate appearances after spending time in Triple-A.
MLB Trade Rumors7 Reds who are playing their way out of the team's 2027 plans
With about a month remaining in the 2026 season, several Cincinnati Reds players are underperforming and facing potential roster changes. Outfielder TJ Friedl, once a fan favorite and playoff contributor, has declined significantly this year and may not be retained due to arbitration costs. Third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes provides elite defense but has struggled offensively while carrying a $25 million contract through 2029, creating a difficult decision for the organization. Relief pitcher Sam Moll performed well early in the season but has been unreliable since the All-Star break, and his future may depend on the team's plans for free agent Brock Burke. Prospect Michael Toglia was recently called up but has not translated his Triple-A success to the majors and faces likely release after the season since he has exhausted his minor-league options. Shortstop Noelvi Marte continues to underperform relative to expectations, with manager Terry Francona having criticized his work ethic.
Blog Red MachineTommy Pham made one Reds mistake much bigger than it needed to be
Tommy Pham criticized Dane Myers' dropped fly ball against the Cardinals on Thursday, claiming Myers intentionally let the ball drop to pad his own statistics rather than allowing left fielder TJ Friedl to make the catch. The article suggests Pham's accusation is unfounded, noting that Friedl may have been battling the sun and Myers was simply trying to make a difficult play. Pham, currently playing minor league baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies' affiliate after going unsigned in free agency, faced backlash for piling on Myers, who had hit a crucial pinch-hit home run for the Reds just days earlier.
Blog Red MachineTJ Friedl's disappointing Reds season could have painful offseason consequences
TJ Friedl's performance has collapsed dramatically in 2026, batting just .158/.242/.237 with only three home runs through 71 games after hitting .261/.364/.378 last season. The 31-year-old outfielder has seen his walk rate decline and strikeout rate increase, contributing negative 0.9 fWAR compared to positive 2.9 fWAR in 2025. Cincinnati sent him to Triple-A Louisville to rebuild confidence, but his struggles have persisted, potentially leading the team to non-tender him this offseason despite his $3.8 million arbitration salary. The Reds have young outfield options including Dane Myers, prospect Héctor Rodriguez, and 22-year-old Carlos Jorge to fill the void if Friedl departs.
Blog Red MachineReds' 2027 reset must include a change beyond just Nick Krall
The Cincinnati Reds' 2027 reset must address problems beyond President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall, whose roster construction has underperformed relative to available resources. While Krall bears responsibility for the team's struggles, hitting coach Chris Valaika also deserves scrutiny after the Reds ranked near the bottom in most offensive categories over the past two seasons despite the development of Elly De La Cruz and the addition of Sal Stewart. Key players like TJ Friedl, Noelvi Marte, and Matt McLain have all experienced significant statistical declines, suggesting coaching and approach issues beyond roster talent. The team's offensive strategy appears one-dimensional, relying heavily on home runs rather than a comprehensive plan at the plate.
Blog Red MachineTerry Francona’s veteran loyalty could derail the Reds’ young talent
Manager Terry Francona's strength in supporting his players can become a liability when he retains struggling veterans too long, potentially hindering the Reds' development of young talent. With Cincinnati's 2024 season effectively over after beginning with playoff aspirations, the team should use remaining games to give prospects like Hector Rodriguez, Noelvi Marte, and Carlos Jorge playing time instead of keeping veterans like TJ Friedl, who is batting .164, in the lineup. The article suggests the Reds should also prioritize younger pitchers like Luis Mey and Chase Petty over established bullpen arms like Pierce Johnson to evaluate their potential for 2027 and beyond.
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