Reds quietly signal TJ Friedl’s days are numbered with latest roster move

Ahead of Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs, the Cincinnati Reds made a roster move that was several weeks (if not months) in the making. The Reds optioned outfielder TJ Friedl back to Triple-A and activated newly acquired utility player Oswaldo Cabrera.

Friedl was optioned to the minors earlier this season after a horrific start to his 2026 campaign saw him post a .179/.259/.256 slash line through 47 games. Unfortunately, his trip to Triple-A Louisville didn't help to fix his swing.

Since returning to the active roster on June 28, Friedl has been little more than a part-time player. The veteran outfielder had gone just 13-for-94 (.157) with a 40 wRC+ since his return to the big-league roster, and most of his playing time came as a late-game defensive replacement in left field.

Reds option TJ Friedl to the minors, activate former Yankees infielder Oswaldo Cabrera

Sadly, Friday's win over the Cubs was probably Friedl's last game in a Reds' uniform. He'll be entering Year 2 of his arbitration window this fall, and there's no way Cincinnati can justify giving him a pay increase. Reds fans should expect Friedl to be non-tendered shortly after the 2026 season ends.

Cabrera will now get an opportunity over the final week-and-a-half of the season to prove that he belongs in the Reds' 2027 plans. Cincinnati plucked the former Yankees' infielder/ outfielder off waivers on Friday after New York designated him for assignment earlier this week.

Cabrera suffered a catastrophic leg injury in 2025. While sliding into home plate in a game against the Seattle Mariners, Cabrera's leg folded up underneath him. The injury was so bad, he had to be taken off the field in an ambulance and underwent surgery just a few days later. Though he's since recovered, Cabrera's spent most of the 2026 season with the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate.

In addition to activating Cabrera and optioning Friedl, the Reds also decided to recall Zach McCambley from Triple-A and sent Julian Aguiar back to the minors. Aguiar filled in admirably on Friday night, going three innings and allowing just two runs on four hits. It was Aguiar's first Major League action since 2024.

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