3 Reds players who've disappointed through the first 20 games, and 2 who've exceeded expectations

Reds outfielder TJ Friedl has exceeded expectations through the first 20 games.

Okay, now to the positive thing of things. Has there been a better player through the Cincinnati Reds first 20 games than TJ Friedl? You could argue Graham Ashcraft, and perhaps even Jonathan India. But there's been no one on the Reds roster who's exceeded expectations more so than Friedl.

The 27-year-old is Top 3 on the team in doubles, home runs, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS. Friedl is a threat to go deep, but he's also a threat to lay down a bunt. Not only that, but he's also quite speedy on the base paths as well.

Coming into the 2023 season, it's fair to say that Friedl was a little more than a rotational outfielder who was going to see time in the starting lineup against right-handed pitchers. But it's doubtful that anyone would have pegged Friedl to consistently be hitting second in the Reds lineup.

Not only is Friedl getting at-bats against right-handed pitchers, but he's getting starts against southpaws as well. Of his 20 hits this season, four have come off lefties including a three-bagger earlier in the season.

TJ Friedl has cemented himself as an everyday player in the league. It may have taken him a long time to make to The Show, but it's hard to see Friedl going back to the minor leagues, or even a bench role, anytime soon. Friedl has been fantastic to begin the season.