Suárez and Friedl Remain with Reds After Clearing Waivers
Cincinnati Reds players Eugenio Suárez and TJ Friedl cleared outright waivers and will stay with the team for the remainder of the season. The move signals the club is looking toward the future, as neither is likely to be retained beyond 2026. Suárez is hitting .208 with 19 homers, while Friedl has struggled to a .158 average.
The Reds’ decision to place both veterans on waivers underscores a clear pivot toward younger talent, with the club sitting 19.5 games back in the division. Suárez’s $15 million salary and declining production made him an unlikely trade asset, while Friedl’s demotion to Triple-A and post-break slump further diminished his value. Neither player drew interest from contenders seeking postseason help before the Sept. 1 eligibility cutoff, leaving Cincinnati to absorb the remaining contract costs. The team’s upcoming schedule against playoff-bound opponents suggests the front office is prioritizing evaluation over short-term results.
This move may signal to fans and players that the Reds are formally conceding the 2026 season, potentially affecting ticket sales and engagement in the final month. For Suárez and Friedl, the waiver process could shape their free-agent or arbitration prospects, as other clubs now view them as low-risk, low-reward options. The team’s willingness to part with experienced contributors may also influence clubhouse morale, though it aligns with a broader trend of rebuilding franchises prioritizing payroll flexibility over veteran presence.