The Cincinnati Reds have made a surprising roster decision as their playoff hopes slip away. According to reports from “Ken Rosenthal of The Atlantic,” the team has placed third baseman Eugenio Suarez and outfielder TJ Friedl on outright waivers.
Surprise decision
The move gives all other 29 Major League Baseball teams a 48-hour window to claim either veteran player. A team making a claim would have to pick up the remaining money on that player’s contract.
This process gives playoff-bound clubs a chance to add extra depth late in the year.
Late-game magic
Oddly enough, the transaction news surfaced right after Suarez provided major late-game heroics.
On Wednesday, he hit a dramatic ninth-inning grand slam that capped off a six-run rally leading Cincinnati to a thrilling 10-9 comeback victory over the San Francisco Giants.
Underwhelming season
Both players have struggled to match their past production this year. Suarez signed a one-year, $15 million contract before the season. He has 19 home runs and 57 RBIs but is batting just .208.
Meanwhile, Friedl has posted a .158 batting average following a notable offensive slump.
What comes next
Neither player was designated for assignment, meaning both can keep playing for Cincinnati while waiting on the waiver outcome. If a player goes unclaimed, he will remain with the Reds for the rest of the season.
As the front office starts looking toward the future, the move serves as another clear sign that Cincinnati has shifted its focus. “The waiver placement confirms the Reds’ fairly obvious plan” to clear payroll space and open up playing time for younger options on the roster.
