Cincinnati Reds Release Jeimer Candelario from $45M Contract

The Cincinnati Reds have officially released infielder Jeimer Candelario after designating him for assignment and clearing waivers, with no other MLB team claiming him. Candelario, who signed a three-year, $45 million contract in December 2023, struggled significantly with batting and defensive performance, hitting just .113 this season and dealing with injuries. Despite his high salary, the Reds decided to pay him not to play rather than keep him on the active roster, reflecting his underwhelming contributions and health issues. While Candelario is expected to enter free agency and may receive interest at a minor-league contract level, the Reds will remain responsible for the bulk of his remaining contract. His tenure with the Reds is considered a major disappointment given his previous solid performance before joining the team. The club’s President of Baseball Operations emphasized the move was necessary to focus on players more likely to help the team win.