What Happened
The Cincinnati Reds have placed veteran slugger Eugenio Suárez and outfielder TJ Friel on outright waivers, according to sources briefed on the process.
Back in early February, the Reds signed Suárez to a one-year, $15 million contract hoping he would propel them to a second consecutive postseason berth. Instead, the team's playoff hopes have faded, prompting a sudden shift in strategy.
All 29 other MLB clubs now have a 48-hour window to claim either player. However, industry expectations suggest both will ultimately clear waivers and stay with Cincinnati unless the front office actively designates them for assignment.
Why It Matters
The primary driver behind this surprising roster maneuver is financial relief. Suárez is still owed a little under $3 million for the remainder of the season, while Friedl is owed just over $700,000.
Neither player generated significant trade interest before the deadline, and neither is expected to return to the organization next season. Shedding even a fraction of their remaining salaries helps the franchise trim payroll as a disappointing year winds down.
Season Struggles and Injuries
Suárez showed flashes of his old self recently, hitting a dramatic grand slam during a historic seven-run, ninth-inning rally in a 10-9 win over the San Francisco Giants.
Overall, though, his campaign has been derailed by performance dips and health issues. The 35-year-old spent nearly a month on the injured list due to a left oblique strain. Primarily serving as a designated hitter, he is batting just .208 with 19 home runs and a .705 OPS.
Meanwhile, Friedl has struggled heavily at the plate, batting .158 with three homers and a .476 OPS. After losing center field reps to Dane Myers and spending time in the minor leagues, he is earning $3.8 million in his first arbitration year, making a contract offer this winter unlikely.
What's Next
This roster contraction underscores just how far the Reds have fallen. After starting the year strong—even tying for the National League Central lead with the Chicago Cubs on May 1—Cincinnati cratered with a 43-59 stretch that dropped them straight into last place in the division.
As the final weeks of the season approach, the franchise is clearly shifting focus toward cost management and rebuilding plans for the future.
