The New York Yankees have signed experienced infielder Jeimer Candelario to a minor league contract, aiming to improve their infield depth as the season progresses. This move was announced by the team’s Triple-A affiliate, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, on Saturday, reflecting the organization’s need for more reliable options amid ongoing team difficulties.
Candelario’s Path to the Yankees After Reds Release
At 31 years old, Jeimer Candelario joins the Yankees following his release by the Cincinnati Reds on June 23. The Reds made this decision after a disappointing start during his three-year stint with the club. Candelario’s signing comes at a crucial time as New York faces injury concerns and inconsistent performances that have left the infield depth stretched thin.
Potential Impact on Yankees’ Season Outlook
As the Yankees struggle through a losing streak, the addition of a versatile and seasoned player like Candelario provides a hopeful option to stabilize their lineup. His experience in the Major League could support the team’s efforts to regain momentum and maintain their competitiveness during this difficult phase of the season. The Yankees aim to strengthen their squad and enhance their postseason chances with this acquisition.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Jeimer Candelario good?
A. He had a .297 batting average, a .369 on-base percentage, and a .503 slugging percentage this season. With 30 runs, he also hit 11 doubles, three triples, and seven home runs, accumulating 29 RBIs. Among Tigers players with at least 100 at-bats, he was the team leader in batting average, doubles, triples, and extra-base hits. He also ranked first in runs scored and was second in both on-base and slugging percentages, as well as RBIs.
Q. What happened to Jeimer Candelario?
A. Candelario, who is 31 years old, was let go by the Cincinnati Reds on June 23. He was in the middle of a three-year contract worth $45 million, which he signed before last season began.
Q. How good is Jeimer Candelario?
A. Before joining the Reds, Candelario was a reliable player, leading to his big contract. When he was with the Tigers in 2020 and 2021, he had a batting average of .278, an on-base percentage of .356, and a slugging percentage of .458, giving him a wRC+ of 124. However, his performance dropped in 2022, with stats of .217/.272/.361 and a lower wRC+ of 80, leading to his release.
Q. Is Jeimer Candelario married?
A. He was born in New York City but relocated to the Dominican Republic at the age of five. At a press conference in December 2023, he signed with the Reds at the Great American Ball Park. His wife, Adreina, daughters Alaya, who is three, and Abigail, who is 10 months old, attended along with his mother, Hilda Rosario, and his father, Roger Candelario.