Cincinnati Reds DFA Jeimer Candelario, Owe $22.5M Remaining Contract

The Cincinnati Reds have designated infielder Jeimer Candelario for assignment, ending his disappointing tenure despite having a year and a half remaining on his three-year, $45 million contract. Candelario struggled significantly, batting just .207/.265/.394 with a .660 OPS and a negative WAR over two seasons, and hitting only .113/.198/.213 in 22 games this season before injury sidelined him. After a lackluster minor-league rehab performance, the Reds opted to cut ties rather than activate him, choosing to pay out the remaining $22.5 million on his contract as sunk cost. The decision reflects a shift in the Reds' approach under manager Terry Francona, emphasizing accountability and performance over sunk financial commitments. Meanwhile, younger, less expensive players like Spencer Steer, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Santiago Espinal have filled the infield roles. The Reds now have seven days to trade, waive, or release Candelario, though his hefty remaining salary makes a trade unlikely.