Cincinnati Reds Release Jeimer Candelario: What Went Wrong?

By Oliver Wiener July 01, 2025 04:14

The Cincinnati Reds’ decision to release infielder Jeimer Candelario on June 29, 2025, marks a stunning and costly end to a once-promising signing. Just halfway through his three-year, $45 million contract, Candelario’s tenure in Cincinnati failed to meet expectations, leaving fans and analysts asking: What went wrong?

High Hopes and a Big Contract

Signed in December 2023 as the Reds’ biggest free-agent addition in years, Candelario was brought in to provide veteran leadership and offensive consistency at the corner infield positions. Coming off a solid 2023 season split between the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs where he hit .251 with career highs of 22 home runs and 70 RBIs Candelario seemed poised to be a key contributor. The Reds envisioned him as a middle-of-the-order bat who could stabilize their lineup and mentor younger players.

Struggles on the Field

Unfortunately, Candelario’s performance fell far short of those expectations. In his first season with Cincinnati in 2024, he posted a disappointing .225 batting average with 20 home runs and 56 RBIs over 112 games, but his overall offensive metrics reflected a below-average impact. His weighted runs created plus (wRC+) was just 87, indicating he produced 13% fewer runs than the average hitter.

The 2025 season was even more challenging. Candelario appeared in only 22 games, starting 12 at third base and seven at first base, before a lumbar spine strain sidelined him in late April. His offensive production plummeted to a .113 batting average with two home runs and 10 RBIs. Even during a 15-game rehab stint in Triple-A Louisville, he struggled to regain form, slashing a meager .211/.318/.333. His last major league appearance on April 27 saw him go hitless in four at-bats.

Injury and Depth Chart Challenges

The spine injury was a significant blow. After exhausting his minor league rehab assignment, the Reds placed Candelario on the injured list but ultimately decided not to activate him. With promising young corner infielders Christian Encarnacion-Strand returning from injury and Noelvi Marte on a rehab assignment, the Reds had little room for a struggling veteran who could not contribute offensively or defensively.

Reds President of Baseball Operations, Nick Krall, explained the decision bluntly: “We believed keeping our current roster gave us the best opportunity to win rather than activating him.” This statement underscored the Reds’ commitment to youth and performance over sunk costs.

Financial Implications

The release leaves the Reds on the hook for nearly $23 million remaining on Candelario’s contract, including $13 million for 2026 and a $3 million buyout on a 2027 club option. Given his poor production and injury status, it is unlikely any team will claim him off waivers or trade for him, forcing Cincinnati to absorb the financial burden.

What Went Wrong?

Several factors contributed to Candelario’s failure in Cincinnati:

Injury: The lumbar spine strain severely limited his availability and effectiveness.
Offensive Decline: His batting average and on-base percentage dropped significantly, making him a liability in the lineup.
Defensive Limitations: Candelario’s defensive metrics were below average, reducing his overall value.
Roster Competition: The emergence of younger players made it difficult for the Reds to justify keeping him on the roster.

Looking Ahead

Candelario’s release serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of long-term contracts on aging veterans with injury histories. For the Reds, it opens opportunities for younger players to step up, while the team absorbs a significant financial hit.

As one Reds insider put it, “Sometimes you have to make tough decisions to move forward. It’s unfortunate for Jeimer, but the team’s future depends on performance and health.”

Jeimer Candelario’s Cincinnati chapter may have closed prematurely, but his career marked by flashes of power and versatility could still find new life elsewhere, albeit likely at a reduced role and salary.