REVISED Cincinnati Reds Top 10 Prospects for 2019

10. TJ Friedl, OF

Birthday: 8/14/1995 (23)
Acquired: Undrafted Free Agent, July 2016
Level(s): high-A Daytona, AA Pensacola
Statistics: .284/.381/.384, 131 G, 570 PA, 20 2B, 7 3B, 5 HR, 30 SB, 11.6% BB, 17.5% K

TJ Friedl has been a personal favorite since his story became known the summer of 2016. Multiple teams overlooked Friedl’s draft eligibility during the regular draft, but the Cincinnati Reds were among multiple teams who were tracking him the summer after the draft, and they were able to bring him on board for roughly third-round bonus slot money out of Nevada-Reno.

For many evaluators, Friedl is a guy that simply doesn’t light up their evaluations. He doesn’t really have a single plus tool, but he does have above-average contact, speed, and defense.

That sort of profile for many would end up maxing out as a fourth outfielder profile, but Friedl has outperformed his profile all along, as his 5’10”, 170-pound listing could be even exaggerating to reality. That sort of size is not a guy you would imagine pounding out extra-base hits at the rate of 30+ in the Florida State League, but he did so before his promotion to AA.

With an excellent eye at the plate and great feel on the bases and in the field for how to best use his speed to be an exceptional baserunner and defender, Friedl has the floor of a future 4th outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds, but the way he works at his game, Friedl very likely could be even more down the line for the Reds or another team who may pick up his services.