The 35-year-old never officially announced his retirement from his playing career, but he did sit out the 2022 campaign after he failed to find a deal to his liking. Freeman previously played in 29 games for the Mariners during the 2016 and 2017 season. In all, he slashed .225/.306/.306 with five homers and 32 RBI over 412 plate appearances in his big league career -- spread out over six seasons and six different teams.

Freeman refused an outright minor-league assignment and will head to free agency after appearing in 37 games for the Reds, hitting .186/.262/.186 with one stolen base across 65 plate appearances. The 34-year-old journeyman infielder spent the majority of the 2021 campaign at Triple-A Louisville. He should be able to land a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training this offseason.

Freeman cleared waivers after being designated for assignment over the weekend. The 34-year-old will stick around as depth in the organization. 

The Reds needed to create space on the roster after activating Nick Senzel from the injured list and Mike Freeman was the odd man out. The 34-year-old slashed .186/.262/.186 at the major league level this season and is likely to clear waivers and end up back in Triple-A Louisville.