TJ Friedl was the best all-around player for the Cincinnati Reds in 2023, leading the team in both fWAR and bWAR in a 4-win campaign. He played great defense, hit lefties even better than righties, swiped a ton of bags, and proved to be a one of the best leadoff men in the game all season long.
Frankie Montas, meanwhile, looked excellent early as the Opening Day starter for the Reds in 2024, backing up the team’s stretch to sign him despite him missing almost all of 2023 with a shoulder injury.
Playing without those two would be a dent in any team’s hopes, and the Reds have certainly stumbled without them.