The Cincinnati Reds have activated Jeimer Candelario from the injured list, only to designate him for assignment shortly after. Candelario’s 2025 season has been a struggle, with the infielder posting a disappointing .113 batting average, along with .198 on-base and .213 slugging percentages. He recorded 29 strikeouts in just 22 games before being sidelined with a lumbar spine strain.
After five weeks on the injured list, Candelario returned to the field on June 2, playing two games with the Arizona Complex League Reds where he showed signs of improvement, going 3-for-6 with two doubles and two walks. He was then promoted to Triple-A, where he played for the Louisville Bats from June 5 to 21, finishing his rehab assignment with a .211 average, 19 strikeouts, and a .318 on-base percentage over 15 games.
However, Candelario has now exhausted his 20 days of rehab assignment, forcing the Reds to make a difficult decision. By designating him for assignment, the team now faces the prospect of paying the remainder of his lengthy contract, amounting to $16 million for 2025, $13 million for 2026, and a $3 million buyout for 2027 if he is not claimed off waivers.
Despite the setbacks, the Reds are now looking forward; the designation of Candelario opens up a valuable spot on the 40-man roster. This vacant slot may be crucial as Cincinnati is expected to add Chase Burns ahead of his upcoming start against the New York Yankees.
On a positive note, this situation facilitates an opportunity for the Reds to integrate new talent as they push forward in the season while maintaining the flexibility in their roster. The challenge will be to navigate Candelario’s contract situation smoothly, but with a new prospect potentially joining the lineup, Cincinnati could be on the brink of revitalizing their future performances.