TJ Friedl Bio
Terry Lee “TJ” Friedl (born August 14, 1995) is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). After playing college baseball for the Nevada Wolf Pack, he signed with the Reds, receiving the largest bonus ever given to an undrafted free agent in 2016. Friedl made his MLB debut in 2021.
Early Life and Background
TJ Friedl was born in Pleasanton, California. He attended Foothill High School, where he excelled in both basketball and baseball. As a member of the baseball team, Friedl earned letters for three seasons and achieved a .308 batting average. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he walked on to the Nevada Wolf Pack baseball team. His freshman year was challenging, as he batted only .216 in 37 at-bats. However, he took a redshirt year to preserve a season of eligibility when he learned he would play sparingly as a sophomore. His junior year proved to be a turning point, as he batted .401, ranking 11th in college baseball, and earned a spot on the Mountain West Conference’s first team.
Path to Baseball
During the summer following his sophomore year, Friedl played for the St. Cloud Rox in the Northwoods League, where he hit an impressive .373 in 16 games and showcased his speed with 12 stolen bases. His performance caught the attention of MLB scouts, leading to his signing with the Cincinnati Reds in July 2016. Friedl received a signing bonus of $732,500, the largest ever awarded to an undrafted free agent. He made his professional debut with the Billings Mustangs in the Rookie-level Pioneer League, hitting two home runs in his first game and finishing the season with a .347 batting average.
TJ Friedl Career
Early Career (2016-2020)
After his debut season, Friedl continued to develop in the Reds’ minor league system. In 2017, he played for both the Dayton Dragons and the Daytona Tortugas, achieving a combined batting average of .273 with seven home runs and 38 RBIs. The following year, he played for both Daytona and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, batting .284 with five home runs and 30 stolen bases. Friedl spent the 2019 season with the Chattanooga Lookouts, where he faced challenges, hitting .235 with five home runs and 28 RBIs. The 2020 season was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Friedl returned to form in 2021, playing for the Louisville Bats and hitting .264 with 12 home runs.
Breakthrough (2021-Present)
Friedl’s breakthrough came on September 18, 2021, when he was called up to the Cincinnati Reds’ active roster. He made his MLB debut that day as a pinch hitter and recorded his first major league hit—a home run—on September 19. Since then, Friedl has continued to contribute to the Reds, showcasing his skills as a reliable outfielder. As of the end of the 2025 season, Friedl has a batting average of .257, with 54 home runs and 201 RBIs, along with 55 stolen bases.
Notable Works and Milestones
Friedl’s signature moment came with his debut home run in the MLB, marking the beginning of his professional career at the highest level. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a major league player is a testament to his dedication and talent.
TJ Friedl Award Nominations
Throughout his career, TJ Friedl has received recognition for his performances, particularly during his time in the minor leagues, but specific award nominations have not been documented.
TJ Friedl Awards Won
While TJ Friedl has achieved notable success in his career, including his impressive signing bonus and contributions to his teams, there are no specific awards won that have been documented.
TJ Friedl Family
TJ Friedl has three older sisters, which adds to his family dynamic. He also has a notable connection to the sports world, as his second cousin is John Calipari, the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks men’s basketball team.
Personal Life
Details about TJ Friedl’s personal life are limited, but he has maintained a focus on his baseball career. His family background and connections to other sports figures highlight the supportive environment in which he has grown up.