Cincinnati Reds place Eugenio Suárez, TJ Friedl on waivers
The Cincinnati Reds placed veteran slugger Eugenio Suárez and outfielder TJ Friedl on waivers Tuesday, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and MLB Trade Rumors. The late-August move opens a 48-hour claim window while Cincinnati tries to shed salary from two underperforming players unlikely to return in 2027.
Neither Suárez nor Friedl has been designated for assignment. Both can keep playing for the Reds while the irrevocable waiver process runs. Suárez even hit a grand slam in Wednesday's seven-run ninth-inning rally as Cincinnati beat the San Francisco Giants 10-9.
Key Takeaways
- The Reds placed Eugenio Suárez and TJ Friedl on waivers Tuesday; the 48-hour claim period expires Thursday afternoon.
- Cincinnati hopes a contender claims either player and assumes the rest of their 2026 salaries, but both may clear waivers.
- Suárez is owed roughly $2.5 million to $3 million through season's end on a $15 million deal; Friedl has about $700,000 remaining.
- Neither player drew trade interest at the deadline, and neither is expected back with the Reds next season.
- Suárez has 19 homers but a .208/.295/.410 line; Friedl is hitting .158 with a .476 OPS after time in Triple-A.
Why did the Reds place Eugenio Suárez on waivers?
Cincinnati signed Suárez to a one-year, $15 million contract in early February, viewing the former Reds star as a power bat who could push the club toward a second straight postseason. Instead, the 35-year-old has been one of baseball's biggest disappointments in 2026.
After nearly a month on the injured list with a left oblique strain in April and May, Suárez entered Wednesday batting .208 with 19 home runs, a .705 OPS, and a 35% strikeout rate across 410 plate appearances. Sports Illustrated noted his .702 OPS is his lowest since his rookie year with Detroit.
The Reds began 2026 20-11 and were tied for the NL Central lead on May 1, but have gone 43-59 since. Sitting in last place, the front office is cutting costs on veterans who will not factor into next year's plans.
What happens if another team claims Suárez or Friedl?
MLB Trade Rumors explained the late-August waiver playbook: a non-contender waives a player, hoping a pennant-race club claims him and picks up the remaining salary. If Suárez or Friedl is claimed, Cincinnati loses that player for good because the placement is irrevocable.
A claiming team would take on Suárez's remaining pay and could use his right-handed power and clubhouse presence down the stretch. Suárez will be a free agent after the season; any team would likely decline a $16 million mutual option for 2027.
If both players clear waivers, they stay with Cincinnati for the final month. The Athletic reported that outcome is the more likely one for both veterans.
How did TJ Friedl's 2026 season unravel?
Friedl entered the year as Cincinnati's leadoff hitter and primary center fielder after posting a .261/.364/.378 line in 152 games in 2025. The 31-year-old's 2026 campaign collapsed: .158/.242/.234 with three homers, a .476 OPS, and a career-high 23% strikeout rate in 253 plate appearances.
He lost the center-field job to Dane Myers, spent most of June in Triple-A, and has hit .106 with one homer in 26 games since returning. Friedl is earning $3.8 million in his first arbitration year, and The Athletic reported the Reds are unlikely to tender him a contract this winter.
For more roster shake-ups across sports and entertainment, follow our Celebrity Breaking News coverage. Full details on the waiver placement are available from MLB Trade Rumors.