Reds Adjust Roster: Spiers Called Up, Friedl Designated for Assignment

The Cincinnati Reds have made a notable roster adjustment by selecting the contract of right-hander Carson Spiers from Triple-A Louisville. This move fills the vacancy created by Chase Burns, who has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right groin strain with retroactive effects from September 19th. To accommodate Spiers, the Reds designated outfielder TJ Friedl for assignment.

Friedl's Tenure with the Reds

Friedl's designation may signal an unfortunate end to his tenure with the Reds. His journey began in 2016 when he signed as an undrafted free agent, an unconventional start that reflects how many players fight against the odds for a chance in the big leagues. He made his major league debut in 2021 in a brief stint, but it was in 2022 that he started to show promise as a regular contributor. That year, he posted a batting line of .240/.314/.436 across 72 games, displaying a blend of speed and power, marked notably by a strikeout rate of just 15.5%. This suggested potential for future development, making him one to watch. But was it enough?

His performance in 2023 reinforced that potential. Over 556 plate appearances, Friedl boasted a batting line of .279/.352/.467 with 18 home runs and an impressive 27 stolen bases. He achieved a 117 wRC+, making him the second-best hitter on the Reds, trailing only Spencer Steer. His defensive metrics improved as well, with a +6 Outs Above Average, which places him in a competitive defensive category, supported by Statcast’s 85th percentile Fielding Run Value. Friedl’s contributions during this period amounted to 4.1 wins above replacement, a sign that he was beginning to establish himself reliably. This was more significant than it looks on the surface.

The Declining Performance and Injuries

Despite promising performances, underlying metrics began pointing to potential problems. Friedl's .308 batting average on balls in play was solid for a player with his quickness, but indicators like exit velocity and hard-hit percentage suggested he was operating in a lower tier of the league. While he recorded strong numbers, these metrics raised questions about sustainability, hinting his success might not hold up under scrutiny.

During the 2024 season, injuries significantly impacted Friedl's productivity. He managed to hit 13 home runs in just 85 games, yet his slugging percentage dropped from .467 to .380. Coupled with a string of injuries, including a right wrist fracture, a left thumb fracture, and a right hamstring strain, these setbacks unraveled a once-promising season. He ended up with a below-average 93 wRC+, a stark contrast to his previous year.

Friedl's struggles continued into 2025, where his isolated slugging dropped dramatically to .117 across 685 plate appearances, which is a significant decline from the .189 he achieved in 2023. Even with a slight rebound in his on-base numbers marked by a 112 wRC+, his defensive performance slipped, pulling down his overall contributions to just 3.1 WAR. This steady decline opened the door for reevaluation by management—a harsh reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in professional sports.

In 2026, Friedl faced perhaps his biggest challenge yet. Entering the season without injury issues, he struggled with a .179/.259/.256 batting line and a starkly low 44 wRC+ through early June, eventually leading the team to demote him to Louisville early in the season. While he returned later for more playing time, his struggles persisted, marking the end of what has become a disappointing run for a player whose trajectory once looked promising. It’s tough to watch how quickly a rising star can fall from grace.

The Financial and Future Implications

As 2026 unfolds, Friedl has over three years of major league service time and is currently navigating his first arbitration year with a salary of about $3.8 million. He faces a decision: accept an outright assignment if offered, or walk away from guaranteed money. Given his earlier waiver attempts in August, it's likely he'll clear waivers again. If that happens, Friedl will likely stay in Louisville for the remainder of the year. The front office may consider a non-tender this offseason, though a cheaper deal could be on the table—an uncertain future for a once-promising player.

Chase Burns and Carson Spiers: Shifting Focus

On the other hand, Chase Burns wraps up his season on a strong note, sporting an admirable 2.86 ERA over 154 1/3 innings and an impressive 29.4% strikeout rate, showcasing solid control for a developing pitcher. Burns, the Reds' most promising starter, stands out despite not qualifying for leaderboards due to inning restrictions. His extension signed back in July 2026 speaks to the organization’s investment in his potential. This might signal a shift in how the Reds approach their pitching strategy—focusing on developing younger talent might be their path forward.

Meanwhile, Spiers is making a return to the bigs after recovering from elbow surgery. While he hasn't yet appeared in the Majors this season, his promotion reflects the team's belief in his potential to contribute after a challenging recovery period. This situation isn't unique; similar systems typically rely on young, recovering talent to fill gaps quickly. If you're working in this space, keeping an eye on how injuries and player development play out will be crucial in understanding roster dynamics.

Future Outlook: The Reds' Strategy Amidst Changes

The Reds find themselves at a pivotal moment. The choices they make with players like Friedl, Burns, and Spiers will not only affect roster structure but also reflect broader strategies about player development and competitive direction. While Friedl has faced significant setbacks, the organization has the opportunity to reconfigure its approach. And this is the part most people overlook: the intricate balance between nurturing talent and making tough decisions for organizational fitness. If they can harness young players' potential effectively, perhaps brighter days await—a blend of caution and optimism will guide the Reds as they navigate these turbulent waters.