Apr 18, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Jeimer Candelario (3) catches the ball during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Cincinnati Reds Make Costly Move, Designate Jeimer Candelario for Assignment Before Showdown With New York Yankees

Originally posted on Cincinnati Reds on SI
By Landon Belote | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 3:27 PM ET

CINCINNATI --- The Cincinnati Reds officially designated third baseman Jeimer Candelario for assignment on Monday afternoon.

The Reds activated Candelario from the injured list and quickly designated him for assignment in a move to immediately remove him from the 40-man roster.

Candelario is owed $24 million on the remainder of his contract, including half of $16 million in 2025 and $13 million in 2026 with a $3 million buyout in 2027.

Even though Cincinnati has received poor production at third base from Santiago Espinal and Christian Encarnacio-Strand, management clearly did not feel that Candelario could provide stability at the spot. Candelario will now be exposed to waivers and will likely become a free agent later this week.

This article first appeared on Cincinnati Reds on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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