Frontrunner named to land slugger on waivers, Eugenio Suarez
The Cincinnati Reds have made a big move that could influence playoff races down the stretch. They have placed two notable veterans, Eugenio Suarez and TJ Friedl, on outright waivers. Suarez is the key.
The Reds have placed Eugenio Suárez and TJ Friedl on outright waivers according to @Ken_Rosenthal.
— Chatterbox Sports (@CBoxSports) August 27, 2026
Teams have 48 hours to claim Suárez for just under $3 million and/or Friedl for around $700k.
Rosenthal said "neither is expected back next season" with the Reds. pic.twitter.com/fQXhHUVj2a
Any team can claim either player during a 48-hour period before the waivers expire. Suarez will cost just under $3 million for the rest of the year, while Friedl would have to be paid just over $700,000.
According to insider Jon Morosi, the Seattle Mariners are the clear frontrunner to pick up Suarez. He has already had two stints with the Mariners previously, including as a trade deadline addition last season.
The Mariners are in prime position, if they are interested in an Act III with Suárez.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 27, 2026
Waiver claims are awarded in reverse standings order; Seattle has one of the worst records of any viable contender. https://t.co/v3KFMGG2Vy
As Morosi notes, waiver claims go to the claiming team lowest in the standings. For the M's, they are tied with the Minnesota Twins for the worst record among teams chasing a playoff spot. That would put them in the driver's seat if they were interested in claiming Suarez. He would have to be claimed by Aug. 31st to be eligible for the postseason.
"There would appear to be space for the Mariners to claim their former third baseman..."@jonmorosi reports on Eugenio Suárez being placed on waivers and the process behind a potential claim. pic.twitter.com/IlLgSmOcgd
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 27, 2026
The 35-year-old slugging infielder has 19 homers and 57 RBIs, but that also comes with his usual massive strikeout totals and woeful batting average (.203 this season, .189 last year in his 53 games with Seattle down the stretch). He did hit a total of 49 homers last season.
As for Friedl, he's batting just .158 this season, with only three homers in 253 plate appearances. He has a 33 OPS+. It's very unlikely any team will put in a claim on him.
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