Slugger Eugenio Suárez and outfielder TJ Friedl went unclaimed on outright waivers and will remain with the Cincinnati Reds, according to reports from Mlbtraderumors. Both players were placed on outright waivers by the National League Central club as the front office attempted to shed salary and save cash on the pair’s remaining salary ahead of the September 1 deadline for postseason eligibility, as reported by The New York Times.
Eugenio Suárez and TJ Friedl Clear Waivers to Stay With Reds
According to Sporting News, both players cleared waivers and are expected to be with the team for Friday’s series opener against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reported via X that team sources confirmed their presence with the club in Chicago.
Financial Motivations and Contract Details Behind the Waiver Decision
The Cincinnati Reds placed Suárez and Friedl on waivers to save money for the final month of the regular season, giving the other 29 Major League Baseball teams a 48-hour window to claim either player and assume their remaining financial commitments. At the time of the waiver placement, Suárez was owed slightly less than $3 million (specifically noted as about $2.57 million of his $15 million salary, with amounts shifting down to $2.24 million by August 31), while Friedl was owed slightly more than $700,000 (about $633,000 of his $3.8 million arbitration salary), according to Mlbtraderumors and The New York Times.
Neither player generated significant trade interest at the trade deadline, and it was not a major surprise that they went unclaimed due to difficult individual seasons. Suárez signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Reds in early February, returning to Cincinnati after spending eight seasons with the franchise earlier in his career. The team initially signed him hoping for a second straight postseason appearance, but the Reds struggled, falling to last place in the NL Central with a 43-59 record since May 1. Suárez’s contract also features a $16 million mutual option with no buyout.
Underwhelming On-Field Production and Slumping Statistics
Both veterans endured difficult numbers during the season, contributing to the decision to test the waiver wire. Suárez batted .208 with 19 home runs, 57 RBIs, and a .705 OPS across 103 games, while drawing walks at a 10% clip. However, he also posted a high 34.9% strikeout rate and struggled defensively, receiving below-average grades of -5 in Defensive Runs Saved and -7 in Outs Above Average over 315 innings at third baseman, while serving mostly as a designated hitter. Just prior to the waiver news, Suárez hit a dramatic ninth-inning grand slam during a six-run rally in a 10-9 victory over the San Francisco Giants, as noted by Jang.
Outfielder TJ Friedl experienced an even more challenging campaign, recording a .158 batting average, three home runs, 11 RBIs, and a .476 OPS through 76 games and 253 plate appearances. His season included a long offensive slump—highlighted by a 1-for-34 stretch—and a demotion that sent him to the minor leagues for the better part of June. Despite his offensive struggles, Friedl played strong defense in center field, accumulating 5 in both Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average over 433 innings. Friedl is under club control through the 2028 season and is earning $3.8 million in his first year of arbitration, though reports indicate neither player is expected back with Cincinnati next season.
