Reds Cut Ties with Jeimer Candelario Despite $22.5 Million Commitment—What’s Next for the Struggling Star?
The Cincinnati Reds made a significant roster decision this Monday, designating infielder Jeimer Candelario for assignment—a move that carries the hefty financial weight of $22.5 million remaining on the veteran’s deal. It’s a stark reminder that in baseball, sometimes teams must swallow the bitter pill of sunk costs to pursue winning rosters. At 31, Candelario’s struggles at the plate have been evident this season, managing just a .113 average over 91 plate appearances, even as he returned from a stint on the injured list battling a lumbar spine strain. Instead of reintegrating him into the lineup, the Reds opted to part ways with the seasoned player, signaling a tough but necessary shakeup. This decision isn’t made in isolation—the Reds are leaning on younger, less costly talents like Spencer Steer and Christian Encarnacion-Strand to fill the void, despite their own modest numbers. Amidst it all, Candelario’s sizable contract, an extension inked after a solid 2023 campaign, now looms over Cincinnati’s payroll, surpassing even the well-documented $22 million owed to former player Mike Moustakas upon his release. With the clock ticking on trade possibilities and waiver claims, it’s likely Candelario will test the free-agent waters, seeking a fresh start elsewhere under far less lucrative terms. It’s an intricate dance of finance, performance, and future promise—one that every franchise has to master in the relentless pursuit of victories.
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