Reds Cut Ties With Jeimer Candelario After Injury Setbacks
Candelario’s Cincinnati tenure ends, with the team releasing him from his contract.
The Cincinnati Reds have decided to designate infielder Jeimer Candelario for assignment, ending his time with the team. This decision comes after a disappointing run marked by injuries and a lack of production, leaving the Reds with a hefty financial burden.
The Dismal Numbers
The Reds had signed Candelario to a three-year, $45 million deal, a move that has proven to be a costly mistake. While he did manage to hit 20 home runs in 2024, his low batting average and on-base percentage made his offensive contribution underwhelming. In 2025, his performance deteriorated further due to health issues, playing only 22 games with a poor batting line. FanGraphs data shows Candelario‘s performance has been one win below replacement level since his signing.
The transaction is likely the end of his time with the organization. The Reds could explore trade possibilities within a five-day window, but they will likely find little interest. He is making $15 million this season and is still owed $12 million next year, plus a $3 million buyout.
Potential Options
Candelario has enough service time to reject an outright assignment and opt for free agency while still receiving his salary. The Reds might simply release him, making him a free agent. At that point, any team could sign him for the prorated league minimum, reducing the Reds’ payment. Some clubs may gamble on Candelario, hoping he can return to form.
“The most charitable explanation for his recent struggles is that he hasn’t been healthy.”
—Person Name, Title
Previous Performance
Before joining the Reds, Candelario was a solid player. With the Detroit Tigers in 2020 and 2021, he had a .278/.356/.458 slash line. In 2022, his production dipped, and he was non-tendered. He then signed with the Nationals in 2023, getting traded to the Cubs, where he finished with a .251/.336/.471 line. Whether he can recover to those levels is uncertain.
Candelario has struggled with health issues, notably battling knee tendinitis and a toe fracture. In 2025, he has been on the injured list with a lumbar spine strain. The Reds appear to have lost patience. Their corner infield playing time is currently shared by Gavin Lux, Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Santiago Espinal. The Reds are moving on, even if it means they will eat nearly $23 million.
Future Outlook
Other teams may be willing to take a chance on Candelario. Teams needing infielders have limited options right now. They could give Candelario a shot for a few weeks at minimal cost and then seek other solutions at the trade deadline. The league average for players’ WAR (Wins Above Replacement) has been about 0.9 since the 2020 season (MLB.com).