A year ago, TJ Friedl reached base 247 times, more than any leadoff hitter in baseball not named Shohei Otani or Fernando Tatis Jr.
Flashward to today: He's hitting .176, and is 2 for his last 30. His playing time has been slashed.
Since May 13, he's started just three of the Cincinnati Reds last 10 games. He's become an afterthought for Terry Francona.
It's been a stunning skill decline. The now 30-year old has gone from a career year in 2025, to a career worst year in 2026.
Since June 1 of last season, he's hit just .218 in 514 at-bats.
His strikeout rate has spiked. His walk rate has plunged.
He's gone from hitting .284 on fastballs last season, to hitting .216 this season. That's led to guessing and trying to cheat to get to the fastball, and hitting. 065 when he gets a breaking ball. He's chasing pitches out of the zone at the highest rate of his career.
He was always about his legs. In 2022-2023, his sprint speed ranked in the 71 and 74 percentile in MLB. The last three seasons, he's been in the 26-32-34 percentile.
In the field, it was difficult to watch his throw to the plate from left field in the St. Louis series.
He's not helping in the field, at the plate, or on the bases. He's lost playing time. His current OPS+ of 43 means he's performing 57% below a league average player.
The Reds have a decision to make. They love Friedl, everyone loves TJ. He was their Heart and Hustle Award winner for 2025.
And the Reds have questions, doubts and frustrations with Noelvi Marte. But the 24 year old Marte is hitting .374 with a 1.016 OPS, and has played 20 of his 33 games at Louisville in center field.
Is this about liking guys, showing patience and loyalty to guys, or putting the best 26-players on the roster?
The answer will be very revealing.