Reds Designate $45M Infielder Candelario for Assignment Amidstruggles

The Cincinnati Reds have designated veteran infielder Jeimer Candelario for assignment after activating him from the injured list, despite still owing him approximately $22.5 to $24 million on his three-year, $45 million contract. Candelario struggled significantly this season, batting just .113 before his lumbar spine injury and failing to regain form during his rehab. The Reds, currently trailing the NL Central-leading Cubs by 6.5 games, are signaling a shift toward prioritizing younger talent like Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Spencer Steer, and appear poised to be more aggressive at the upcoming MLB trade deadline. Manager Terry Francona acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, emphasizing the team's need to improve performance. This move marks a departure from the Reds' historical hesitation to make bold roster changes and suggests a renewed commitment to competing this season. The infield position is expected to remain a platoon until prospects like Noelvi Marte return from injury.