Reds Make Bold Move: Jeimer Candelario Cut – What This Means for the Team

The Cincinnati Reds recently announced that infielder Jeimer Candelario has been taken off the injured list and designated for assignment. After some time on the rehab list, the team decided not to add him back to their active roster, reducing their 40-man roster to 38 players.

Candelario was signed last year with high hopes, attached to a three-year, $45 million deal. While he managed to hit 20 home runs last season, his overall performance was disappointing. He posted a batting line of .225/.279/.429, giving him a wRC+ of 87, along with sub-par defensive skills. This year hasn’t been any better. Due to ongoing health issues, he played only 22 games, with a weak line of .113/.198/.213. Since joining the Reds, he has not been as valuable as expected.

Currently, it seems likely that Candelario’s time with the Reds is coming to an end. They could explore trade options in the next few days, but interest is expected to be minimal given his recent struggles. Even in his rehab stint, he only managed a .211/.318/.333 line over 15 games in Triple-A, translating to a wRC+ of 80. With a significant salary of $15 million this year and another $12 million owed next year, along with a $3 million buyout for 2027, any potential buyers would need to consider these financial implications.

Candelario has enough service time to reject an outright assignment and become a free agent while keeping his full salary. If the Reds decide to release him, any team could sign him for the prorated league minimum, which would lower the financial burden on the Reds.

Interestingly, prior to joining the Reds, Candelario was a reliable player. In 2020 and 2021 with the Detroit Tigers, he had impressive stats, batting .278/.356/.458 with a wRC+ of 124. But after struggling in 2022, he bounced back with the Washington Nationals and later the Chicago Cubs, showcasing his potential before his downturn with the Reds.

Experts suggest that if Candelario can regain his health, he might return to his previous form. Since last year, he has dealt with knee tendinitis, limiting his play. In June 2022, he was performing well with a .255 batting average before injuries took a toll, including a toe fracture.

Now, the Reds seem ready to move on, despite existing struggles from their current corner infield players. Given Candelario’s history, other teams may be tempted to take a chance on him, especially since options are limited as the trade deadline approaches. He could be a low-risk pickup for any organization looking to strengthen its infield.

In the world of baseball, these situations arise frequently, where former stars struggle to find their footing after injuries. Candelario’s journey serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in sports.

For more information on player transactions and team strategies, check out ESPN for the latest updates.

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