TJ Friedl is slated to be the Reds’ Opening Day center fielder and leadoff hitter Thursday against the Giants, per team updates.

Fantasy Impact

Friedl’s .352 OBP in 54 Cactus League plate appearances this spring, despite just 2 doubles and no steals, positions him atop Cincinnati’s lineup Thursday, rebounding from a .690 OPS in 85 games last year. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should roster him, banking on his on-base skills for value in the Reds’ 2025 lineup.

TJ Friedl went 1-for-3 in the Reds' 3-0 loss to the Cubs.

Fantasy Impact

Despite managing to secure a hit, Friedl's performance did little to spark any offense for Cincinnati in a game where runs were sorely needed. This season, Friedl's batting average sits at a .226, and while he has shown some power with 13 homers, his overall production has been underwhelming. His .304 wOBA and .226 BABIP suggest that he's not been particularly unlucky, just not overly effective. Fantasy managers should view Friedl as a fringe option.

TJ Friedl is in the starting lineup for the Reds Friday.

Fantasy Impact

Friedl will patrol center field and bat fifth against the Pirates. He is hitting .231, with 13 home runs, and 54 RBI this season.

TJ Friedl went 4-for-4 in the Reds' 11-1 thrashing of the Twins, including a home run, two runs scored, and two RBI.

Fantasy Impact

This performance marks a significant highlight in what has been a challenging season for Friedl, boosting his batting average and giving fantasy managers a glimpse of his potential upside. Despite a generally low average and BABIP this season, games like this demonstrate Friedl's ability to contribute across multiple categories. Owners should consider Friedl as a situational player who can offer sporadic bursts of productivity, particularly in deeper leagues or as a streaming option when facing favorable matchups.

TJ Friedl went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in the Reds' 8-4 victory over the Twins.

Fantasy Impact

His performance included a crucial home run and he crossed the plate twice, contributing significantly to the team's win. Despite a generally underwhelming season with a batting average of just .221, Friedl's recent game could hint at a potential upswing. His power metrics, with 12 home runs in 73 games, suggest he can provide sporadic home run support, but his low batting average and BABIP indicate ongoing challenges in hitting consistently. Fantasy managers should view Friedl as a possible situational player, especially in deeper leagues or formats that reward power numbers.