RADIO
TJ Friedl 2024 Player Outlook: Solid Run And Stolen Base Numbers Once He Returns
11 months agoLast season, at the age of 27, Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl logged more than 100 MLB games for the first time in his career. He surprised managers in the HR department and, despite his speed, he probably chipped in more SB than most expected too. The speedster's final line was .279-18-66-73-27 with a wOBA of .353 and wRC+ of 116 in 138 games (556 PA). The encore season has been put on hold indefinitely, however, with a fractured wrist. There has been no definitive timetable for his return, but June is probably the earliest given he won't be reevaluated until late April. ATC projections see him logging 441 PA once he returns, albeit with a modest statline of .255-12-48-58-18. Despite the projection, he could surprise to the upside in BA, as his 2023 Contact% (83.4%), SwStr% (6.8%), O-Swing% (27.7%), and K% (16.2%) were all well above league average, and he also led the league in bunt singles. It's hard to justify drafting him knowing he won't help for a couple months, but he is worth stashing in an IL spot if available. Assuming he'll hit leadoff upon his return, he could be a valuable source of runs and stolen bases come midseason.
