In a move that caught many by surprise, the Cincinnati Reds have officially released veteran infielder Jeimer Candelario, ending a high-priced experiment that never truly paid off. The decision comes just days after he was designated for assignment on June 23, shortly after returning from the injured list. With no team claiming him off waivers, the Reds made the release official — and notably, they’ve done so without announcing a direct replacement for the struggling slugger.
Candelario, 30, had signed a three-year contract worth $45 million before the start of the 2024 season, with a team option for a fourth year. The Reds hoped he would bring veteran presence and offensive power to the infield, but despite hitting 20 home runs and adding 23 doubles and 2 triples in his first season, his overall offensive performance left much to be desired. He finished 2024 with a .225 batting average and a .279 on-base percentage, raising early concerns about long-term value.
Those concerns exploded in 2025, as Candelario’s performance plummeted. Before landing on the injured list in late April with a lumbar spine strain, he was slashing a dismal .113/.198/.213 with 29 strikeouts, offering virtually no production at the plate. His rehab stint included appearances with the Arizona Complex League Reds and Triple-A Louisville Bats, but results were no better there. In 15 games for Louisville, he managed a weak .651 OPS and struck out 19 times.
With his rehab window closed and performance nowhere near acceptable, the Reds were left with few options. Despite still owing him a massive sum — $16 million for 2025, $13 million for 2026, and a $3 million buyout in 2027 — the organization decided to cut its losses and move on, officially parting ways with Candelario.
The Reds have yet to name a replacement, either on the active roster or organizational depth chart, suggesting internal moves or upcoming trades may be in the works. For now, Cincinnati is choosing flexibility and financial burden over continued frustration, signaling their commitment to reshaping the infield and finding more consistent contributors.
Once seen as a cornerstone piece with promising power, Jeimer Candelario’s time in Cincinnati ends as one of the more disappointing chapters in recent team history — and an expensive one at that.
