Ex-Reds outfielder Jake Fraley finally finds a home after dizzying offseason

The Cincinnati Reds and outfielder Jake Fraley parted ways midway through the 2025 season. Fraley lost his spot in the starting lineup, and after a discussion with manager Terry Francona and the Reds front office staff, Fraley was designated for assignment.

Fraley quickly found a new gig and latched on with the Atlanta Braves. He played just nine games for the Braves before suffering an oblique injury that ended his 2025 season. Atlanta placed him on the 60-day IL back in late-September and dismissed him from the 40-man roster once the offseason began.

Fraley was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Rays on November 6, but DFA'd just two weeks later. The former Reds' outfielder elected free agency just last week, and on Tuesday, agreed to a one-year deal that will keep him in Tampa for the 2026 season.

Former Reds outfielder Jake Fraley endured a curious path back to the Rays this offseason

Fraley came to the Reds in 2022 by way of a spring trade. The former Seattle Mariners farmhand was part of the trade package that helped send Eugenio Suárez and Jesse Winker to the Emerald City as part of a salary dump. Fraley, Brandon Williamson, Connor Phillips, and Andrew Moore were all shipped to Cincinnati in return. Both Williamson and Phillips are still part of the Reds organization.

Fraley made a name for himself after showing off his above-average glove in the outfield and clobbering right-handed pitching. In 2023, Fraley hit .268/.348/.467 off right-handers and slugged a career-high 15 home runs. He gutted through the 2024 season while dealing with injuries and a nerve-racking medical situation involving his daughter, Avery.

The Reds were hoping to see Fraley bounce back this past season, but it never materialized. Ultimately, Fraley hit just .232/.332/.387 in 67 games for the Reds in 2025. After the team added Ke'Bryan Hayes and Miguel Andujar at the July 31 trade deadline, Fraley saw the writing on the wall and was able to find a new home after being DFA'd in mid-August.

The Rays have a way of getting the absolute best out of players, and with Fraley entering a contract-year, perhaps he'll find a way to make the most of his new opportunity and secure a long-term deal next winter.