Jake Fraley quickly found a new home after Reds departure

The Cincinnati Reds designated Jake Fraley for assignment on Sunday, and the outfielder found a new home with the Atlanta Braves by Tuesday afternoon. The Braves plucked Fraley off waivers from the Reds, meaning that Atlanta will be on the hook for the remainder of his 2025 salary. Fraley is also under team control through the 2026 season.

Fraley became expendable after the MLB trade deadline. The Reds made a deal to acquire Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Ke'Bryan Hayes and then moved former top prospect Noelvi Marte from third base to right field. Marte's arrival in the outfield greatly reduced Fraley's playing time, and reports suggested that he and Reds management had discussions about increased opportunities for him to play elsewhere.

Fraley should receive that chance in Atlanta. Brian Snitker's ball club has been ravaged by injuries this season and the Braves are out of the playoff hunt for the first time in recent memory. But given Atlanta's roster constraints, it's quite possible that Fraley will be able to find a home in the Braves' lineup.

Jake Fraley quickly found a new home with the Braves after Reds departure

After DFA'ing Fraley on Sunday, the Reds recalled Will Benson to the active roster. He's yet to start since returning, but will likely see playing time in the future against right-handed pitching. The Reds have yet to fill Fraley's spot on the 40-man roster, leading some fans to believe that Sal Stewart could be called up any day now.

Most Reds fans will remember that Fraley came to Cincinnati by way of the 2022 trade that sent Eugenio Suárez and Jesse Winker to the Seattle Mariners. Fraley was packaged along with Brandon Williamson, Connor Phillips, and Justin Dunn and had been with the Reds for almost four seasons. During his Cincinnati tenure, Fraley hit .260/.336/.421 with 38 home runs and 142 RBI.

By claiming Fraley off waivers, the Braves are now responsible for the remainder of Fraley's $3.1 million contract. Seeing as how there's barely one month left in the 2025 season, Cincinnati is only likely to save about $500,000.

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