Reds' $45M Mistake: Candelario DFA'd! What Went Wrong?
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Reds Cut Ties with Jeimer Candelario After Disappointing Stint
The Cincinnati Reds have designated infielder Jeimer Candelario for assignment, marking a swift and costly end to his tenure with the team. Candelario was recently reinstated from the 10-day injured list, but the Reds opted not to add him back to their active roster, effectively ending his time in Cincinnati.
Signed to a three-year, $45 million deal before last season, Candelario's performance failed to live up to expectations. While he hit 20 home runs in his first year with the team, his low batting average and on-base percentage resulted in a .225/.279/.429 slash line, translating to a wRC+ of 87. His defensive performance was also subpar.
This season has been even more challenging for Candelario. Limited to just 22 games due to health issues, he posted a dismal .113/.198/.213 line. FanGraphs estimates he has been one win worse than replacement level since joining the Reds.
What's Next for Candelario?
The Reds have a few days to explore potential trade options, but interest in Candelario is expected to be minimal. Even during his recent rehab assignment, he struggled, hitting only .211/.318/.333 in 15 Triple-A games (wRC+ of 80). With $12 million owed next year, plus a $3 million buyout for the 2027 club option, most teams are unlikely to take on his contract.
Candelario has the right to reject an outright assignment and elect free agency. Regardless of whether the Reds release him directly or he chooses free agency, he is likely to be available to any team willing to pay him the prorated league minimum salary, which would be offset by the money the Reds are still paying him.
A Second Chance?
Despite his struggles with the Reds, some teams might be willing to take a chance on Candelario. Before joining Cincinnati, he was a solid player, particularly with the Detroit Tigers in 2020 and 2021, where he slashed .278/.356/.458 with a wRC+ of 124. Whether he can recapture that form remains to be seen, but a change of scenery and a lower-pressure environment could potentially unlock his potential.
Notably, Candelario was originally signed by the Chicago Cubs as an international free agent in 2010. He even played briefly for them before being traded to the Tigers. The Cubs acquired him again in 2023 at the trade deadline but did not re-sign him after the season.