TJ Friedl -- Prospect Evaluation

TJ Friedl is a left-handed hitting center fielder for the Cincinnati Reds who made his MLB debut on September 18, 2021. The 5'10", 180-pound outfielder from Sewickley, Pennsylvania was a prospect within the Reds organization from 2017 through 2022, peaking at #12 in the organization's rankings in 2019 before declining to #20 by 2022. He attended the University of Nevada.

Friedl's career performance statistics show limited offensive production in limited at-bats, posting a .194 batting average with a .273 on-base percentage and .287 slugging percentage across 129 at-bats with just 2 home runs. His career has been significantly impacted by injuries, with multiple stints on the 10-day injured list for right hamstring strain, left thumb fracture, and right wrist fracture. He has undergone multiple rehab assignments with the Louisville Bats minor league affiliate and has been optioned to Louisville on several occasions throughout his career.

TJ Friedl is a 24-year-old outfielder and the Cincinnati Reds' #11 prospect prospect. Acquired as an undrafted free agent in 2016, the 5'10", 180-pound left-handed batter possesses plus speed and above-average defensive capabilities suitable for center field, but carries below-average home run power.

Friedl's 2019 Double-A season was marked by volatility and injury. He showed promise early with hot stretches, including an eight-game hitting streak in June with a .333 average and over 1.000 OPS. However, he endured extended slumps throughout the year, including a 1-36 stretch in April despite disciplined plate discipline (9 walks, 7 strikeouts). Over 92 May plate appearances, he posted a .260/.363/.429 line with 10 extra-base hits and 4 steals.

Injury significantly impacted his development. A shoulder injury sidelined him in early May, and a subsequent ankle injury forced him onto the injured list in late June, ultimately leading to season-ending ankle surgery in July. His scouting profile indicates an average hit tool that could play up due to his ability to utilize his speed and beat out infield hits, with realistic ceiling of double-digit home runs but unlikely to reach 20-plus homer seasons.

TJ Friedl is the Cincinnati Reds' #14 prospect and at 26 years old is the oldest player on the prospect list. The left-handed outfielder was drafted as an undrafted free agent in 2016 and stands 5'10" and 180 pounds.

Friedl missed significant time due to an ankle injury requiring surgery in late 2019, and the 2020 minor league season cancellation delayed his return until 2021. He opened the 2021 season slowly with Triple-A Louisville, going 2-23 with 10 strikeouts in nine games, but recovered significantly over the next two months, hitting .306/.403/.484 with 24 walks, 28 strikeouts, and 8 stolen bases. He had a subsequent three-week slump before finishing strong with a .306 average, 5 doubles, and 6 home runs over five weeks.

His performance earned a September call-up to Cincinnati where he had an immediate impact, going 2-2 with a home run in his first start against the Dodgers and finishing the season hitting .290 in 14 games. As a prospect, Friedl possesses plus speed, above-average defense in center field with fringe-average throwing arm, and an average hit tool that plays up due to his speed and infield hit ability. However, he has below-average power. Evaluators project him with a starter's ceiling but acknowledge his floor as a big league bench player, noting there is no true weakness in his game but a low probability of reaching 25+ home runs annually.