It’s time for the Cincinnati Reds to shake up their lineup

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 26: Matt McLain #9 and TJ Friedl #29 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrate after scoring runs in the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Great American Ball Park on July 26, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images The offense of the Cincinnati Reds has been simply abysmal so far in 2026, ranking dead last in both runs and wRC+ through the season’s first 13 games. Of particular concern, though, is just how poor the output has been from the leadoff position.

So far this year, Reds leadoff hitters have collectively put together just a 46 wRC+, a mark that’s been worsted by only the Miami Marlins (34) and San Diego Padres (17). Reds leadoff men sport an impossible . 000 ISO (last, obviously) and .

189 slugging percentage (2nd worst), their only saving grace being a . 295 OBP that ranks 23rd. Reds fans know good and well that it’s been TJ Friedl doing most of the lifting at leadoff this year, as he’s been in that spot for the Reds for several seasons now.

And, in many of those years, he’s been quite competent at the job – including the 2025 season where he posted a stellar . 364 OBP and plenty good enough 102 OPS+. The problem, though, is that Friedl looks like a shell of himself at the moment, and there’s only so much time you can give him to work it out while still manning one of the most important spots in the lineup every day.