Jeimer Candelario Reportedly Signed by Cincinnati Reds

Switch-hitting Candelario added to deep Reds infield

The Cincinnati Reds have added a veteran switch-hitter to their young infield. The Reds have signed Jeimer Candelario. The deal is just under the value of what some expected it to be.

The Reds signed Candelario to a three-year, $45 million deal. There is a team option for a fourth year at $15 million. Some outlets had posted the expected deal for Candelario to sign at four years, $70 million. Candelario is the No. 13 rated free agent on MLB.com.

Candelario spent 2023 with the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs. He amassed 2.9 bWAR after hitting .251 with a .807 OPS. He hit 22 home runs and knocked in 70 runs.

As a switch-hitter he hit for slightly more power against righties but had a slightly better eye against lefties. Largely, no platoon splits though. He is a doubles machine, too. He hit 39 in 2023 and led MLB with 42 for the Tigers in 2021.

He has played either third base, first base, or designated hitter his entire career. This creates an interesting question of what’ next for the infield. Do they trade someone like Noelvi Marie or Jonathan India? Or do the Reds believe Marie’s hamstring injury is serious enough not to lean on him as their opening day third baseman?

It feels as though this move is a precursor to something Nick Krall has cooking. We will update you with more details on the deal as they are reported.

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