Analyzing TJ Friedl’s Performance and Future

Center fielder TJ Friedl has been solid for the Cincinnati Reds ever since his debut in 2021. He has a bit of an up and down habit where one good season is followed by a down year. In 2025, he is in one of his “good” seasons, which begs the question: What should the Cincinnati Reds do with Friedl following this season?

Analyzing TJ Friedl’s Performance and Future

Friedl’s Contract Situation

Despite being already 29 years-old, Friedl is just now entering arbitration following the 2025 season. Naturally, he wouldn’t cost much for 2026 as first year arbitration eligible contracts are never gaudy.

Friedl’s 2025 Performance

Availability is the best ability, and TJ Friedl has played the most games he has in a season with 140 (previously 138 in 2023). Through some major ups and major downs, Freidl’s number have rounded out to be just about league average throughout the season.

His .261/.365/.365 slash line gives him a .738 OPS and 100 OPS+, league average on the nose. His 12 home runs and 12 stolen bases gives him a solid balance between speed and power. All of this has added up to a 2.4 bWAR season, the second highest of his career (3.6 in 2023). On defense, Friedl has graded out decently out in center field with 2 OAA as well.

Essentially everything about TJ Friedl pins him as a league average center fielder who has shown the ability to play the majority of the games in a season. While this kind of player doesn’t necessarily pop off the page, there is definitely value in a league average center fielder, seeing as those are harder to come by compared to other positions.

Unfair Criticism on Friedl’s Performance

A part of the reason why some Reds fans have voiced their frustrations with Friedl this year is due to reasons out of his control. Manager Terry Francona has penciled him in as the leadoff hitter all season. The truth is, TJ Friedl is not good enough with the bat to be an everyday leadoff hitter for a postseason team. Unfortunately, there’s the argument to be made that there are no better options on the team.

In a proper lineup, Friedl would be a perfect seven or eight hole hitter, getting on base and turning the lineup over for the top of the order to do damage.

Friedl’s Future

With Friedl just now entering arbitration, his contract value will be extremely affordable, especially with the value he brings. There is no real reason for the Cincinnati Reds to trade him, unless they go out in free agency or the trade market and get themselves a superior everyday center fielder.

As for his role on the team next year, it would be nice if the front office can supplement the lineup with more big league talent and a true leadoff hitter so that Friedl can take on the role of a bottom of the order guy. This is a role that is much better suited for him, and one that will shield him from any unnecessary hate.

Bottom line is, TJ Friedl is a serviceable everyday leadoff hitter day center fielder who would be a great everyday player as long as he is not leading off the game day in and day out. Certain players fit certain roles, and Friedl would be perfect as a bottom third of the order guy.