Tyler Stephenson isn’t quite ready to return to the Cincinnati Reds’ active roster just yet. The Reds catcher is currently on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville and will be reassessed at the end of the week. This gives Jeimer Candelario about six days to prove his worth to the team, or he may become the odd man out when Stephenson comes off the IL.
But let’s be realistic—there’s little chance the Reds would designate Candelario for assignment just to activate Stephenson, right? Cincinnati signed the infielder to a three-year, $45 million contract last winter and still owes him around $32 million. It’s unlikely owner Bob Castellini would part with that kind of money so easily.
This means that, when Stephenson returns, another player on the roster will likely be sent packing. The idea of carrying three catchers might be tough for Reds fans to accept, but moving on from Austin Wynns could be the answer. With no minor-league options left, Wynns would have to be placed on waivers to return to Triple-A, a risk the Reds probably won’t take.
So, one of Santiago Espinal or Blake Dunn will likely head back to Triple-A Louisville. Other players have remaining minor-league options, but there’s no chance the Reds are sending Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, or Spencer Steer back to the minors.
Candelario has started just one game in the past four days, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. He’s currently batting an abysmal .113/.198/.213, with two doubles, two home runs, 10 RBIs, and 29 strikeouts. On Sunday, he was dropped to the eighth spot in the lineup.
With Noelvi Marte and Spencer Steer locking down the corner infield spots, Candelario’s best chance to get at-bats is likely as the Reds’ designated hitter. However, that role will be limited, especially if the team opts to carry three catchers once Stephenson returns.
While some Reds fans may hope to see Candelario released to make room for Stephenson, that’s not likely to happen. Often, the most logical move isn’t the most cost-effective one. Instead, fans may want to focus on hoping Candelario can regain his form, reminiscent of his six-week stretch in 2024, when he was one of baseball’s hottest hitters. But that now feels like a distant memory.
