The Cincinnati Reds’ season has reached a critical juncture. After an uneven start to the year and growing pressure from within the division, the team is beginning to make difficult decisions about who truly fits into its long-term plans. This week, the front office took its first major step by placing Jeimer Candelario on the injured list — a move that may quietly signal the end of his role as a key contributor in Cincinnati.
Even as the team battles through early adversity, with promising prospects on the rise and veterans battling injuries, one reality has become clear: the Reds can no longer afford to be patient with underperforming veterans. And by April 30, the writing was on the wall — Jeimer Candelario’s role had been all but phased out.
Jeimer Candelario’s Time in Cincinnati Fades Fast
When the Reds signed Candelario this past winter, it looked like a smart, calculated move. A switch-hitting infielder coming off a solid 2024 season split between Washington and Chicago, he was expected to bring pop, consistency, and leadership to a young lineup. With Christian Encarnacion-Strand still finding his footing and Spencer Steer battling injuries, the need for a veteran bat was obvious.
But the results simply weren’t there. In 22 games, Candelario slashed a dismal .113/.200/.226, showing little power, less consistency, and no signs of turning things around. Even as injuries opened the door for more opportunities, he failed to capitalize.
Meanwhile, the Reds had younger, hungrier options waiting. Tyler Callihan, called up from Triple-A, had been tearing it up at Louisville — hitting .303 with four home runs and six stolen bases. His call-up was as much a reward for performance as it was a reflection of Candelario’s struggles.
More telling still, the team gave the ball to 22-year-old pitching prospect Chase Petty to make his MLB debut, signaling a shift toward youth across the roster. The Reds are clearly embracing a new direction.
Manager David Bell never publicly closed the door on Candelario, but the decision to sideline him — even before the injury designation — said plenty. In a crowded division and a season where every win counts, the Reds are choosing upside over experience.
While not yet an outright release, Candelario’s stint on the injured list may ultimately mark the end of his impact in Cincinnati. The team’s focus is clear: move forward with players who produce, not just those who have in the past.
