The Cincinnati Reds have designated Jeimer Candelario for assignment after removing him from the injured list, opening the door for potential teams to acquire the third baseman. This move comes following Candelario’s limited playtime this season, during which he struggled to find his form at the plate.
Before being sidelined by a lumbar spine injury in late April, Candelario appeared in games where he managed a batting average of just .113, hitting two home runs and driving in 10 runs over 80 at-bats. On Monday, the Reds officially confirmed their decision to DFA the 31-year-old infielder, signaling a shift in their infield strategy as they promote younger players.
Teams Considering Jeimer Candelario as Infield Reinforcement
The Cincinnati Reds plan to rely on Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Spencer Steer, and Noelvi Marte for their infield roles, which has left Candelario available on the trade market. Several teams are reportedly evaluating whether adding the experienced but recently underperforming infielder could add depth and flexibility to their rosters.
The Chicago Cubs are in need of more consistent production from their infield, particularly at third base. Despite Matt Shaw’s current struggles, Candelario’s recent performance may not present a significantly better option. Still, there is a possibility the Cubs might consider him as a cost-effective veteran presence should they decide to strengthen their lineup with experience.
Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox face injuries to key corner infielders Triston Casas and Alex Bregman, both on the injured list. Candelario’s ability to play both first and third base could make him an attractive short-term option for Boston, provided he improves his hitting to meet the team’s expectations at Fenway Park.
The Chicago White Sox also emerge as a potential landing spot for Candelario. With 28-year-old Vinny Capra struggling offensively more than Candelario has this season, the White Sox could afford to take a low-risk chance on the veteran. Since the team is not currently in playoff contention, they offer a less pressured environment where Candelario may regain his form and contribute meaningfully.
What This Means for Jeimer Candelario’s Future
With the Cincinnati Reds moving forward without him, Jeimer Candelario faces a critical juncture in his career, seeking a fresh opportunity to revive his performance. The teams identified—Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago White Sox—each provide different contexts and challenges, but all represent viable options for the third baseman to rebuild value.
This development could impact roster decisions across the league as teams assess their infield depth and balance experience with emerging talent. If Candelario manages to regain his offensive skills, his adaptability across infield positions might extend his Major League tenure significantly. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as trade discussions unfold and as he potentially joins a new team seeking to bolster their infield capabilities.