Numbers Don’t Lie: Reds Outfielder TJ Friedl’s Approach is Working Wonders

When you think about a baseball player and the characteristics you want players to have, the words that come to mind are tough, gritty, energetic, aggressive, amongst others.

Reds center fielder TJ Friedl embodies all of those.

After a tough season in 2024 that was derailed by injuries, Friedl is having one of the best seasons of his career. In 2024, he slashed just .226/.310/.380 with 19 extra-base hits. So far in 2025, he is slashing .299/.381/.413 with 15 extra-base hits. After playing in just 82 games last season, he's already played in 52 this year.

The 29-year-old has been playing even better over his last eight games. He's 16-for-38 with a .500 OBP and a .600 slugging percentage over that span.

In an offense that has really struggled at times, Friedl has been one of the most consistent hitters in the Reds' lineup.

So what is contributing to Friedl's big season?

His contact rate sits at 86%, the highest of his career.
His chase rate is down to 18.9%, which is his best mark since 2021 and highlights his ability to lay off pitches outside of the zone.
His "soft" contact is down to 14.3% and his line drive rate is sitting at 25.8%, the best of his MLB career.
Friedl is swinging at just 38.8% of pitches and 56.9% of pitches inside the zone, both the lowest of his career.
He is walking 11.2% of the time, his highest mark of his career.

Friedl's ability to stay on the field this season is also contributing to his success. He put a lot of work into his body in the offseason.

After dealing with a couple of tough injuries in 2024, Friedl says he's been working on a lot of pilates and yoga to try to strengthen certain muscles and become more flexible.

"For me, a big thing I learned is working a lot of pilates and yoga," Friedl told the Reds Hot Stove in February. "Also, working flexibility with strength and core exercises. For me, every offseason was just based around weightlifting, training, cardio, and conditioning...As I'm gaining muscle mass and building the strength side of my body composition, I am also keeping my flexibility."

He is being much more selective and disciplined at the plate. If he continues to lay off bad pitches and square up balls in the middle of the zone, Friedl could be on his way to the best offensive season of his career.

Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!

Report: Reds' Top Prospect Chase Burns to Start Season in Dayton

Cincinnati Reds Ace Hunter Greene Being Disrespected By National Media Ahead of 2025 Regular Season

Watch: Ranking Cincinnati Reds’ Most Important Players Ahead of 2025 MLB Regular Season

Terry Francona Explains Why He Decided to Return to Baseball and Manage the Cincinnati Reds in 2025

Cincinnati Reds Second Baseman Matt McLain Made BIG Change That Could Impact His Future With the Club

Cincinnati Reds Right Hander Brady Singer Has Added a New Pitch to His Arsenal This Offseason

Cincinnati Reds Catcher Tyler Stephenson Expected to Miss Start of 2025 Regular Season With Oblique Injury

Cincinnati Reds Make Flurry of Roster Moves With Opening Day Looming

Look: Cincinnati Reds May Be Getting New Uniforms for 2025 Regular Season

Great American Ballpark Has Been Disrespected By National Media

Great American Ballpark Ranked Among MLB’s WORST Stadiums Ahead of 2025 MLB Season

Cincinnati Reds Release Tribute Video Honoring Pete Rose Following His Death

Pete Rose Shared POWERFUL Thoughts on Possible Hall of Fame Induction Before He Died