Reds Place Eugenio Suárez and TJ Friedl on Waivers Amid Struggles

The Cincinnati Reds have placed designated hitter Eugenio Suárez and outfielder TJ Friedl on waivers, signaling a shift as the team struggles in the 2026 season, according to reports from August 26 and 27.

Both players remain on the roster during the 48-hour waiver process and appeared in the Reds' recent win over the San Francisco Giants, where Suárez hit a grand slam during a ninth-inning comeback.

Suárez, 35, signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Reds in February 2026 but has underperformed, batting .208 with 19 home runs and a .705 OPS through 410 plate appearances. He spent nearly a month on the injured list early in the season due to a left oblique strain.

"He spent some time on the injured list this season with an oblique injury in April and May, and the offense hasn't shown up in 2026," reported SI.com, highlighting Suárez's struggles compared to his previous seasons.

Friedl, 31, began the season as the Reds' primary center fielder and leadoff hitter but has also struggled, hitting .158 with three home runs and a .476 OPS. He spent much of June in the minors and has seen reduced playing time.

"He's batting .158 with three homers and a .476 OPS, lost time in center field to Dane Myers, and spent most of June in the minors," the New York Times reported.

The Reds entered the season with postseason hopes but are now in last place in the National League Central, trailing the division leader by 19 games as of late August. After a strong start, the team has posted a 43-59 record since early May.

"The Reds began the season expecting to contend, and on May 1 were tied for the National League Central lead with the Chicago Cubs," according to the New York Times. "Since then, they have fallen into last place in the division."

The decision to place Suárez and Friedl on waivers is partly a financial move, as the Reds aim to save money during a disappointing campaign. Suárez is owed nearly $3 million for the rest of the season, and Friedl slightly over $700,000. Neither player is expected to return next season.

Should another team claim either player, that team would assume the remainder of the player's contract. If unclaimed, both players will remain with the Reds for the season's final month.

"The placement is irrevocable, so the Reds would lose Suárez and/or Friedl if any other team places a claim," MLBTradeRumors.com explained, noting the team's hope for a claim to reduce salary obligations.

Suárez's performance this season has been a significant step back from his previous success, with a career-low OPS and increased strikeout rate. Friedl's decline has been similarly pronounced, reflecting the team's overall offensive struggles.

"The Reds sit currently in last place in the National League Central, 19 games back of the first-place Milwaukee Brewers and eight games back in the Wild Card," SI.com noted, emphasizing the team's disappointing season.