The Cincinnati Reds have lost outfielder Jake Fraley to the Atlanta Braves. After designating him for assignment on August 17, Atlanta placed a claim and added him to their roster, officially ending his time with Cincinnati.
The Reds explained the move as an effort to give Fraley a better opportunity for playing time elsewhere, especially after Noelvi Marte shifted into right field, limiting Fraley’s role.
Fraley joined the Reds in spring training of 2022 as part of the trade with Seattle that sent Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suárez to the Mariners. In return, Cincinnati received Fraley, Justin Dunn, Brandon Williamson, and Connor Phillips. Over his first two seasons in Cincinnati, Fraley performed well, hitting .257/.341/.453 with 54 extra-base hits and 25 stolen bases in 179 games. In 2024 he hit .277 but saw a decline in power and walk rate. This season, he has batted .232 with a .387 slugging percentage, though he maintained a solid .332 on-base percentage due to strong plate discipline.
Primarily used in platoon situations and occasionally as a late-game defensive replacement, Fraley’s role in Atlanta remains uncertain. However, the Braves now control his contract through the 2026 season if they choose to keep him.
With Fraley off the Reds’ 40-man roster, Cincinnati has an open spot they could use immediately or wait to fill. With rosters expanding in September, the team could promote a Triple-A player not currently on the 40-man roster to provide an extra boost as they continue their playoff push.
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