In manager Terry Francona's first season at the helm in Cincinnati, Friedl was the everyday leadoff man, making 150 starts atop the batting order. Friedl's career-high .364 OBP justified the assignment, a number boosted by an 11.8 BB%. Friedl surged past his previous career highs in games played and plate appearances, reaching 152 games and 685 PA. The category juice was lacking, however, as Friedl managed just 14 homers and 12 steals after totaling 18 homers and 27 steals in 2023. Friedl slugged under .350 at home in Great American Ball Park, but it was still a nice bounce-back effort overall after injuries sapped his effectiveness in 2024. Slated to return to center field in 2026, Friedl could see less time in the leadoff spot versus left-handed pitching given his modest splits without the platoon edge. Read Past Outlooks