Reds News: TJ Friedl returns, Luis Castillo struggles, Rays release ex-outfielder

The Cincinnati Reds have struggled mightily in 2026, and one of the team's biggest disappointments this season has been TJ Friedl. The Reds' gritty outfielder failed to replicate his performance from last season, and on Sunday was designated for assignment.

But Friedl didn't go far. As expected, the veteran outfielder passed through waivers, and on Tuesday, he accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Louisville. But the Louisville Bats' 2026 campaign officially ended last Sunday, meaning Friedl's season is effectively over.

By accepting the outright assignment, Friedl will collect his final paycheck and will become a minor-league free agent once the offseason begins. He could rejoin the Reds on a minor-league deal this winter, but given the way this season has unfolded, he's likely to pursue other opportunities.

TJ Friedl's struggles are a microcosm of the Reds shortcomings in 2026

Friedl failed to perform in almost every way imaginable this season, and his struggles are somewhat emblematic of the Reds' shortcomings as a whole. The 31-year-old hit just .172/.255/.255. His .510 OPS is nearly 200 points less than his worst season on record (.690 OPS in 2024), and his on-base percentage dropped more 100 points from 2025 to 2026.

Friedl was supposed to piggyback of his 2025 performance and be the spark plug for this year's team. He was table-setter for the Reds last season, but Terry Francona was forced to remove him from the leadoff spot shortly after the calendar flipped to May.

The Reds optioned Friedl to Triple-A in early-June, but whatever adjustments he made during his trip to the minor leagues didn't take. His bat was ineffective before the roster move, and it was just a dormant upon his return.

Friedl hustles and plays a spirited-brand of baseball — something the fans in Cincinnati love to see. But beyond that passionate and plucky attitude, there has to be production. Unfortunately for Friedl, that never materialized this season. So while he's back with the organization for now, fans shouldn't expect him to return in 2027.

Luis Castillo & Jake Fraley are struggling with their new teams

Two of Friedl's former teammates have endured their fair share of struggles this season as well. Luis Castillo, now with the Chicago White Sox, was recently demoted to the bullpen. Jake Fraley, who signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays last winter, was officially released on Tuesday after being DFA'd on Sunday.

Castillo was one of the White Sox's biggest trade deadline acquisitions, but he's floundered since landing on the South Side of Chicago. In six starts, the former Reds' ace posted a 7.54 ERA and a 6.44 FIP. He's since been moved to the bullpen, and in three games, has allowed seven runs on seven hits while walking four and striking out just three.

Castillo may not be part of the White Sox's postseason roster — if Chicago qualifies for the playoffs — but the South Siders are still on the hook for his 2027 salary ($24.1 million with a vesting option for 2028).

Fraley spent most of the 2026 season on the injured list and was activated just over a week ago. In 31 games this season, the former Reds outfielder was hitting just .216/.289/.364 with two home runs and a 83 wRC+. Fraley rejected his outright assignment, and like Friedl, will be a free agent after the season.

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