CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds have designated Jeimer Candelario for assignment amid a season plagued by injuries and underperformance. Candelario, the Reds’ most expensive signing in six years, faced this decision before the team’s recent game against the New York Yankees, marking a significant shift in the club’s roster plans.
Injury Issues and Performance Struggles Define Candelario’s Season
Jeimer Candelario signed a three-year contract worth $45 million in December 2023, but he has yet to meet expectations due to physical setbacks. The 31-year-old has been sidelined with a lumbar spine strain since late April and struggled at the plate, recording only a .113 batting average with 9 hits in 80 at-bats over 22 games. Before the designation, he was on a rehabilitation stint with Triple-A Louisville trying to return to form.
During his time with Cincinnati, Candelario appeared in 131 games, batting an overall .207, a figure well below what the Reds anticipated when committing to him financially.
Reds Opt for Emerging Players as They Move Forward
The Reds’ management has shown signs of confidence in rising talents like Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Spencer Steer, who have been performing well at third and first base, respectively. This progress has likely influenced the tough decision to designate Candelario.
Manager Terry Francona acknowledged the complexity of the choice.
“It was hard to get a hold of him. And (general manager) Nick (Krall) finally talked to him and said it was, as you can imagine, (difficult),”
Francona said.
“I have tried to reach out to him, and he understandably, it was just going to voicemail, and I get it. But again, I will say, it’s tough. I know that’s not an easy decision, but we think it can help make us better.”
—Terry Francona, Reds Manager
What the Future Holds for Candelario and the Reds
Candelario is still owed nearly $23 million across this season and next, including a buyout option for 2027. The Reds will now look to continue their recent success, having won 11 of their past 16 games, by focusing on healthier and more productive roster options. This move reflects the club’s urgency to improve as they navigate the challenges of the current season while managing significant financial commitments.