Reds Removed TJ Friedl from Major League Roster
The outfielder cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to the Triple-A Louisville roster.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Baseball
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The Cincinnati Reds have removed TJ Friedl from their major league roster after he cleared waivers. The outfielder accepted an outright assignment to the team's Triple-A affiliate in Louisville.
Why it matters
The organization initiated the move following a season in which the outfielder struggled to maintain offensive production. The decision concludes a difficult 2026 campaign for the veteran player.
TJ Friedl recorded a .172 batting average and a .255 on-base percentage across 91 major league games during the 2026 season. These figures mark a decline from his performance levels in previous years.
The players
TJ Friedl
He is an outfielder who has spent a significant portion of his career with the Cincinnati Reds organization.
Cincinnati Reds
They are a professional Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati that competes in the National League Central division.
Louisville
This city serves as the home for the Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds organization.
The details
After being placed on waivers in August, Friedl was designated for assignment by the Reds over the weekend of September 19-20. He ultimately opted to accept the assignment to the minor leagues rather than seeking free agency.
Timeline
June 2026: Friedl underwent a month-long demotion to the minor leagues.
August 2026: The Cincinnati Reds placed the outfielder on waivers.
September 19-20, 2026: The Reds designated Friedl for assignment.
September 22, 2026: Friedl cleared waivers and accepted his minor league assignment.
Season Trajectory
This roster move reflects the end of a challenging offensive season for the Cincinnati Reds as they finalize their lineup adjustments. The demotion signals a transition period for the franchise as it evaluates its core depth heading into the offseason.
Friedl is expected to remain with the organization under a minor-league contract for the next year. His departure from the major league roster leaves an open spot for the team to evaluate other prospects as they close out the season.
The takeaway
Players who clear waivers and accept assignments often utilize the remaining minor league time to adjust their mechanics. This transition allows the organization to retain depth while the player works toward regaining a spot on the major league roster.
Further reading
For more on the current team status, visit the Cincinnati Baseball section.
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