The Cincinnati Reds have officially cut ties with veteran infielder Jeimer Candelario after designating him for assignment and ultimately releasing him earlier this month. Candelario’s exit comes after a deeply underwhelming stretch in Cincinnati, where both his on-field performance and fit within the team never materialized as hoped.
Acquired with the expectation of adding power and veteran presence to the Reds’ infield, Candelario failed to deliver on either front. Since the beginning of the 2024 season, he played in 134 games but struggled mightily at the plate and offered little defensive impact. His advanced metrics painted an even bleaker picture, with Statcast data suggesting a drastic drop in both exit velocity and quality of contact — numbers more suited to a minor leaguer than a big-league regular.
Reds fans, who were already growing impatient with the inconsistency in the team’s offense, were vocal about their frustration with Candelario’s continued role in the lineup. When the Reds front office finally pulled the plug, many fans expressed relief, viewing the move as long overdue. Even general manager Nick Krall appeared to have moved on, despite being the one who initially brought Candelario to Cincinnati.
Despite his struggles, Candelario quickly landed a new opportunity. The New York Yankees signed the 30-year-old to a minor league contract, assigning him to their Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. The Yankees, thin on infield depth and facing a shallow trade market for bats, are taking a low-risk gamble on the veteran’s experience and versatility.
However, the Reds won’t be off the hook financially. Because Candelario was released and not traded, Cincinnati remains responsible for the remainder of his contract. While the money remains on the books, at least the roster spot is now open for younger, more productive talent as the Reds attempt to stay competitive in the NL Central.
Candelario’s brief Reds tenure will likely be remembered as a costly misfire, but his departure could mark a turning point for a club looking to get younger and more consistent. As the Reds focus on making a late playoff push and evaluating long-term pieces, parting ways with underperforming veterans like Candelario may be just what they need.
