The Reds have a tone-setter right now (and it’s not Elly De La Cruz)

For all the fanfare he receives, Elly De La Cruz has not bee the Cincinnati Reds best hitter this season. TJ Friedl has quietly outperformed the entire Reds lineup in 2025. He boasts a .372 on-base percentage while leading the team in hits and walks. Most importantly, though, Friedl has been available and despite an injury scare earlier this season, and has played in 51 games — trailing only De La Cruz.

Friedl has at least two hits in four straight and in six of the Reds' last seven games. He's secured more multi-hit games than zero hit performances this season, and as a consistent on-base threat atop the lineup, is exactly what this seesawing Cincinnati offense needs.

Availability, consistency, and production are three keys to offensive success. The 29-year-old has exceeded expectations in every category and continues to out-produce his peers so far this season. His 1.1 fWAR ranks second among Reds players, and it's hard to find a statistical category where Friedl isn't among the top three.

TJ Friedl, not Elly De La Cruz, has been the Reds most productive player this season

His on-base prowess not only aids his stat line, but batters behind him as well; especially during trying-times offensively. There have been multiple stretches where the Reds seemingly forgot how to hit, but not Friedl. The Reds' leadoff hitter hasn't gone more than two straight games without securing at least one hit, quiet consistency.

The media may not cover him like De La Cruz, he may not hit for power like Austin Hays, and his defensive pedigree isn't as high as Santiago Espinal's, but Friedl's bat has helped the Reds stay afloat. Through May 26, the Reds have thrown 12 different players into the outfield with one constant, Friedl.

Without Friedl, it's hard to imagine where this team might be. Despite many aggravating and streaky series, the Reds find themselves nearing the .500 mark (again), in large part due to Friedl's strong play.

With so many Reds players on the IL, relying on Friedl is a necessity. His production must continue, and fans should give Friedl his flowers when he inevitably pulls through. If the Friedl continues to produce and others rise to the occasion, the Reds offense may not prove to be that bad after all.

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