In a surprising turn, the Cincinnati Reds have designated corner infielder and designated hitter Jeimer Candelario for assignment, just as he was set to return from a two-month rehab stint with Triple-A Louisville, where he was recovering from a back injury. The move brings an abrupt end to Candelario’s time in Cincinnati, less than halfway through the three-year, $45 million contract he signed during the 2023 offseason, a deal intended to bring veteran power to a young, emerging infield led by Elly De La Cruz.
Despite the Reds’ investment, Candelario never found his form. He hit just 22 home runs over his brief tenure and posted disappointing offensive numbers in 2024, including a .707 OPS and 89 OPS+, while also showing decline defensively. His struggles only worsened in 2025, with a .113 batting average and a career-worst strikeout rate before being placed on the injured list. His minor league rehab performance offered no signs of improvement, making the decision to cut him loose less surprising in performance terms—though still bold considering the financial commitment.
Candelario was brought in with the expectation that infield room would open up, particularly if Spencer Steer moved to the outfield full-time. But that never materialized—Steer has mostly manned first base this season. The departure of Jonathan India was also meant to ease the infield logjam, but Candelario failed to capitalize. Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s power resurgence has made him the more valuable slugger, further pushing Candelario down the depth chart.
While the Reds could still be claimed off waivers, it’s unlikely any team will take on the remaining $22 million on Candelario’s deal. In all likelihood, he will clear waivers and become a free agent, with Cincinnati eating the remainder of the contract. It’s a clear example of a big signing turned sunk cost.
Looking ahead, the Reds are hopeful that the pending return of Noelvi Marte, who’s shown encouraging signs in 2025 after a lost season, will inject new life into the lineup. With Marte and Encarnacion-Strand now firmly in place at third base, and rising talent like Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, and top prospects like Sal Stewart and Edwin Arroyo on the horizon, the Reds seem ready to move forward—with youth, not veterans, leading the charge.
