Full Breakdown
Cincinnati Reds Waive Veteran Sluggers Eugenio Suárez and TJ Friedl
8/27/2026, 6:05:25 AM
Core Move: Outright Waivers for Suárez and Friedl
In early February, the Cincinnati Reds signed free-agent third-baseman Eugenio Suárez to a one-year, $15 million deal, expecting his power to help secure a second consecutive postseason. In late August, the club placed Suárez and outfielder TJ Friedl on outright waivers, giving the other 29 MLB clubs a 48-hour window to claim either player. People briefed on the process said the moves are primarily a cost-saving effort; both players are likely to clear waivers and remain with the Reds unless the team decides to designate one for assignment.
Season Context and Performance
The Reds entered the 2026 campaign tied for the National League Central lead with the Chicago Cubs on May 1. Since that point they have posted a 43-59 record and slipped to last place in the division. Suárez, 35, spent nearly a month on the injured list with a left oblique strain and, for the season, is batting .208 with 19 home runs and a .705 OPS, mostly as a designated hitter. He did hit a grand slam in a dramatic 10-9 win over the San Francisco Giants, but his overall production fell short of expectations. Friedl, 31, is hitting .158 with three homers and a .476 OPS; he lost regular playing time in center field to Dane Myers and spent much of June in the minors.
Financial Implications
Suárez is owed slightly less than $3 million for the remainder of the season, while Friedl is owed slightly more than $700,000. Friedl is also earning $3.8 million in his first year of arbitration, and the Reds are unlikely to offer him a contract for the 2027 season. By moving both players to waivers, the club aims to reduce payroll commitments and free up flexibility for future roster decisions.
Impact on Roster and Outlook
If the waivers clear, both veterans will likely remain with Cincinnati on reduced salaries, but neither is expected to return for the 2027 season. The roster shuffle opens space for younger talent and may signal a shift from the Reds’ early-season contention aspirations to a rebuilding focus as the club seeks to improve its standing in the National League Central.
