Reds Place Eugenio Suarez, TJ Friedl on Waivers

The Cincinnati Reds have placed Eugenio Suarez and TJ Friedl on outright waivers overnight, according to multiple league sources. The rest of MLB now has 48 hours to claim either player, and the move is a pretty loud indication that Cincinnati is looking beyond a frustrating 2026 season.

Eugenio Suarez Hits Grand Slam Before Waiver Move

As far as MLB predictions go, the timing was surprising. Suarez provided an absurd final twist before the news broke, launching a grand slam during Wednesday’s comeback win over the Giants. Then, just hours later, he was reportedly sent to waivers. What a way to go out.

The 35-year-old signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Reds over the winter after hitting 49 home runs in 2025. His power was down this season, with 19 homers in 103 games, but his track record still gives a contender a reason to take a look.

Suarez has never supplied batting average — he owns a career .244 mark and has not hit above .228 in each of the last three seasons — but there is still real value in someone who can run into 30-plus homers when he is right.

TJ Friedl’s Reds Run Could End

Friedl has spent his entire six-year MLB career with Cincinnati. He has struggled mightily in 2026, batting .158 with three homers across 222 at-bats, but he was a far more productive player in each of the prior three seasons.

From 2023 through 2025, Friedl posted at least 13 home runs, 53 RBIs, and nine stolen bases in every season. A team needing outfield depth, speed, or a change-of-scenery gamble could decide he is worth a claim.

If Suarez or Friedl clears waivers, Cincinnati can keep either player through the end of the season or designate him for assignment. At 43-59 and sitting in last place in the division, the Reds are clearly looking to reset heading into 2027.