The Cincinnati Reds have made a major financial decision, showing they’re ready to move on from a struggling veteran regardless of the cost.
The team is reportedly willing to absorb roughly $22.5 million in remaining salary in order to part ways with infielder Jeimer Candelario, a former standout with the Detroit Tigers who never quite found his footing in Cincinnati.
Rather than bringing Candelario back into the fold after his stint on the injured list, the Reds opted to designate him for assignment — a move that removes him from the 40-man roster and leaves his future with the organization in serious doubt.
Designating a high-salaried player in this way often signals a turning point in a team’s plans, especially when the performance hasn’t met expectations.
Candelario, who was once viewed as a valuable addition to the infield with his mix of power and experience, has struggled throughout the season both offensively and defensively.
After landing on the IL earlier this year, he failed to build any momentum and wasn’t producing at the level the club had hoped for when they brought him in. His slow start, combined with a crowded infield picture, made his future in Cincinnati uncertain.
Though costly, this decision reflects the Reds’ growing urgency to field a competitive roster and make room for more productive or emerging players.
By eating the remainder of his contract, the team is signaling that they value performance and flexibility more than sunk costs — a strategy often seen in organizations trying to make a playoff push or reset their direction midseason.
Candelario’s next steps remain unclear. Unless he’s claimed or traded within the coming days, he could become a free agent, where he’ll have the opportunity to sign with another club — though likely at a reduced rate.
For Cincinnati, the decision underscores the tough choices teams must make in pursuit of long-term success, even when it involves walking away from a significant financial investment.
