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Milwaukee Brewers Should Stay Far Away from Once Productive 3rd Baseman Just DFA'd by Reds 4 Aug 19, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Jeimer Candelario (9) runs to third base with a triple against the Kansas City Royals during the second inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Brewers Should Stay Far Away from Once Productive 3rd Baseman Just DFA’d by Reds

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 7:16 PM ET

The Milwaukee Brewers may be in the market for an infielder before this season’s trade deadline. Joey Ortiz has finally started hitting a little at shortstop, and Caleb Durbin is flashing a stellar glove at third, but they could still use some thump on the left side. Guys like Colorado’s Ryan McMahon or Arizona’s Eugenio Suarez have been suggested as options. One player the Brewers should not consider – even for a second – is Reds third baseman Jeimer Candelario.

Candelario Packed a Punch for Cubs, Tigers

Earlier Monday, Cincinnati reportedly designated Candelario for assignment despite owing him one and half seasons’ worth of a three-year, $45 million contract. Out with a back injury, he hasn’t touched the field since late April. Before then, he was off to a miserable start.

Through 22 games, the 10-year veteran hit .113 with 2 homeruns and 10 RBIs. In that short time, he racked up a -0.9 WAR. Formerly a full-time third baseman, Candelario split time there and at first base, while also spending a few games at DH. Reflective of his defensive decline, that matches what he did last season, his first in Cincinnati (-1.3 DWAR in 2024, per Baseball Reference).

In this season’s small sample he has graded out ok, accounting for +1 runs saved. The issue was the bat. Last year, though his batting average and on-base percentage suffered, he still managed to pop some longballs – 20 of them in 427 at bats.

Between the Cubs and Nationals in 2023, he put together a very productive season: 22 HR, 70 RBIs, .807 OPS and a 3.1 WAR. Ditto 2021, when he led the AL in doubles as a Detroit Tiger. In 880 career games, he has 110 homers, 190 two-baggers and a solid .726 OPS. Before last season, he always drew his share of walks. Perhaps he just needs a change of scenery…

Milwaukee Brewers Should Stay Far Away from Once Productive 3rd Baseman Just DFA'd by Reds 5 Jul 3, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Jeimer Candelario (9) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run against the Cincinnati Reds during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Brewers Must Look Elsewhere for Legitimate Roster Help

The Brewers should not be intrigued by the lure of past production, even though acquiring Candelario off waivers would, in contrast to a trade, be essentially free. Candelario is not the kind of player they need – he’s 31 years old, plays subpar defense, and struggling at the plate. Rather than stow him on the bench or at Triple-A, they should reserve those plate appearances for young, developing players.

Durbin has done enough in the batter’s box while playing A-grade defense to retain the starting job – Candelario wouldn’t have much of an opportunity there. Milwaukee already has a solid source of backup first base and DH at bats in Jake Bauers.

Milwaukee Brewers Should Stay Far Away from Once Productive 3rd Baseman Just DFA'd by Reds 6 Jul 9, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Jeimer Candelario (9) singles against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inningat Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

It might be tempting to look at Candelario’s numbers two years ago and pick him up as an insurance policy in case Durbin becomes unplayable or gets hurt, but he just looks like deadweight. The Brewers can do better and should not waste a roster spot on Candelario. Hopefully the Detroit-dubbed “Candyman” gets an opportunity elsewhere.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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