The Reds officially announced the signing of third baseman Jeimer Candelario to a three-year contract with a club option for 2027. Candelario, a client of Premier Talent Sports and Entertainment, is guaranteed $45MM. The option could take the total to four years and $60MM.
Candelario, 30, is coming off one of the finest seasons of his career, having turned in a combined .251/.336/.471 batting line with 22 home runs (a career-high), 39 doubles, three triples and an 8-for-9 showing in stolen base attempts. That production came in a season split between the Nationals, who signed him to a one-year $5MM deal after the Tigers non-tendered him last winter, and the Cubs, who originally signed Candelario, traded him to Detroit in 2017, and reacquired him this past July.
Prior to his big league debut, Candelario was a touted prospect who ranked near the top of the farm systems in both Chicago and Detroit. He enjoyed an impressive rookie showing in 2017 (.283/.359/.425 in 38 games) but struggled to replicate that production in 2018 and saw his offense crater in 2019. Candelario bounced back with the Tigers both in 2020 and 2021, but Detroit cut him loose after a down year in 2022, wherein he posted a .217/.272/.361 slash in 467 plate appearances. Though Candelario’s time with the Tigers came to an unceremonious end, the switch-hitter has now played at a roughly three- to four-WAR pace in three of his past four seasons between the 2020 season, when he hit .297/.369/.503 in the shortened 60-game campaign, and his strong showings in 2021 and 2023.
That performance has positioned him nicely as one of the offseason’s top positional free agents. MLBTR ranked him thirteenth on our annual Top 50 MLB free agents list while projecting him for a four-year, $70MM deal. Only Shohei Ohtani, Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, and Teoscar Hernandez ranked higher than Candelario among free agent position players this offseason. Our projection came in higher than Candelario’s actual guarantee, which saw him receive a slightly lower AAV and one less guaranteed year than we projected him for.
While the Reds are an unexpected fit for Candelario at first glance, given the club’s glut of young infield talent, they were first linked to him several weeks ago. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported this morning that the Reds met with Candelario’s reps twice during this week’s Winter Meetings and could look to add Candelario to the roster, thus pushing utilityman Spencer Steer to the outfield and possibly opening the door for the Reds to deal an infielder for rotation help. With Candelario, Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand all seemingly lined up for regular playing time on the infield dirt, it’s possible that Jonathan India or Noelvi Marte could find themselves dangled in trade talks as the odd man out, with the other likely getting regular reps at DH.
That the Reds are poised to enjoy such an embarrassment of riches around their infield could certainly behoove them if they look to trade from their depth to address other areas of need on the roster. This offseason’s positional class of free agents is among the weakest of the past several years, and has left plenty of teams on the lookout for potential upgrades to their lineup. The Reds, by contrast, are in need of pitching upgrades (even after landing right-handers Nick Martinez and Emilio Pagan late last month) after posting the league’s third-worst rotation ERA (5.73) and landing in the bottom six in terms of overall team ERA (4.83).
To that end, it’s hardly a surprise that the Reds have been connected to the likes of right-handers Tyler Glasnow of the Rays, Shane Bieber of the Guardians, and Dylan Cease of the White Sox in trade talks this offseason. Any of those front-of-the-rotation arms would represent a major improvement over Cincinnati’s current rotation, which currently figures to be headlined by youngsters Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott. If the Reds are indeed successful in leveraging their excess infield depth to land an ace-caliber arm for the rotation, signing Candelario will have allowed the club to make such a deal without dealing more significant damage to a promising young core of hitters, similarly to how the Marlins shored up their rotation depth by signing Johnny Cueto just days before shipping Pablo Lopez to Minnesota in a package that brought back Luis Arraez last winter.
While the $15MM average annual value of Candelario’s deal makes the club’s new infielder their most expensive asset, the signing only boosts the Reds’ projected payroll to $86MM for 2024, according to RosterResource. That’s roughly in line with the payroll the club ended the 2023 season with, and a far cry from their all-time high of $126MM (per Cot’s Baseball Contracts) back in 2019. In other words, the Reds should have plenty of room to make additional moves to shore up the club on the heels of an 82-win 2023 season that saw them finish just two games back of an NL Wild Card spot, even after adding Candelario to the mix.
Mike Rodriguez first reported the Reds and Candelario were in advanced discussions. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand was first to report an agreement had been reached. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported the three-year, $45MM guarantee with a fourth-year club option that could tack on another $15MM.
Didn’t expect this one
I think this was a really bad move. The Reds should kept their young bats and used the cash or lower minors prospects for a pitcher. Horrible to sell low on India who might be a better DH than Jeimer. Even Joey might equal Jeimer. And Jeimer was a good fit for several other teams, so I am shocked on this one.
I mean three years and $45 million still gets you a decent pitcher.
Their payroll is only at 90 million, so they still have plenty of room to get another pitcher or two. Hell, they could trade for Cease and still be under 100 million
Yes, but they have 15 million less to spend.
These are the type of deals I hate for teams, Caledario is a flyer for starters and you just gave him a three year deal based off his “finest season”. He isn’t the missing link, this isnt a team that was stacked and just needed an upgrade at third base that can hit in the 7th hole.
This team needs pitching, first and foremost and now has 15 million dollars less to spend on it for a “luxury” addition vs spending wisely on a need.
His wRC+ would’ve been the 3rd or 4th best on the Reds last season (depending on what PA qualifier you use). Like it or not he’s an upgrade over some of the returning options they had
And when they regret this deal and need pitching in a year or two, guys will be in arbitration and that payroll argument you cited will be a thing of the past. He deserves the money but the Reds have other needs.
Featuring 2 switch-hitters with pop (Candelario, EDLC) in the middle of Red’s lineup is a good thing. BTW, Edwin Arroyo is also a switch hitter and could be there by say September. It would be unfortunate to trade Steer, CES, or Marte to get the sp Reds need, but Krall will figure it out. I like a veteran presence in the Reds lineup not named Votto.
Don’t think it’s a coincidence he’s guaranteed through 2026 while EDLC and Marte are arbitration eligible in 2027
Idk why everyone forgets you need 6 IFs and now Reds have 6 very good ones…Strand Cruz India McLain Marte Candelario…count Steer as OF to go with Benson Fraley Friedl…they don’t need to trade anyone…and prolly still getting another OF…
It seems like mostly Cubs fans hate this move…I wonder why?
Why spend that money on pitching when you can sign that elusive 4th third baseman?
I think it’s just people pointing out the obvious. Why spend 45 million dollars on a position you have zero need. It’s like when the Padres signed their 6th ss or the Angels over paid for Rendon when they clearly needed pitching. The deal doesn’t make a lot of sense. Maybe a trade is coming
Probably because Cubs fans remember Candelario being widely disappointing and stinking up the joint the entire last month of the season.
There is a reason bad organizations are bad organizations. They complain that it’s a money issue even though the Rays and Guardians can keep putting out winning teams. Money helps, but it doesn’t cure incompetence, just ask Preller, Cohen and Cashman.
The Angels overpaid Rendon because they were desperate to make a big move after losing out on Cole and Strasburg.
You’re preaching to the choir. I’m a Brewers fan and think we are one of the teams that do more with less. Smallest market in baseball.
Sometimes there’s more going on behind the scenes that fans aren’t privy to. Everyone screamed bloody murder when the Brewers weren’t signing free agent pitchers back in 2017-2019 or traded for Yelich and signed Cain but they trusted their evaluations of their internal pitching prospects and had a plan for the depth. Their pitching turned out pretty well. They had a solid run of success by not caving to public demand.
The Reds have built a really good base of young talent and want a veteran bat who can play multiple positions to supplement. Who knows what they’re cooking up behind the scenes. Sometimes you just go after the market inefficiency and add talent where you can. Spending money to spend money is stupid. Spending money with a good plan is the way to go.
Anyone can put together a solid farm system, it’s what you do with it. Look at the Padres, number one ranked system for every and they traded the vast majority of it away, spend 250 million and had nothing to show for it other than a handful of disappointing seasons. The White were similar, fantastic farm system, extended young players and made the post season what, twice with no series wins.
This will allow them to trade for pitching, exactly the commodity you want them to get. Candelario cost $3MM more than Lynn, a great value. The pitcher they will trade for will likely be better than Lynn with a lower salary, and more team control. Seattle and Detroit both have young pitching and can use an IF.
I understand your logic but it’s not very sound.
The Reds could have nabbed Stroman for >20 million AAV and still retained their prospects. Stroman plus prospects at 20 million is > Calendario no matter how you slice it. Imanaga > Calendario.
It would be one thing if Calendario was automatic. You can punch in 20 home runs, 35 doubles and a 34% on base but he is FAR from automatic. He had a good season with the Nationals and stumbled to league average offense in Chicago and ended the season on a horrific note. I’m glad someone signed him so Chicago didn’t. The last thing I wanted was him back. Correction, the last thing I wanted was Wisdom to be tendered a contract but re-signing Candelario was up there.
Stroman 8.63 2nd half ERA. Reds aren’t looking for bounce back candidates, per Krall. They want established foundational pitching.
Stroman’s burner account just blocked you.
Since you want to base things off a small sample, how does .152/.286/.391 treat you?
Drasco, you talk about using “sound logic” and then say that the “Reds could’ve nabbed Stroman … and still retained their prospects”.
They still can, he still is available in free agency and is just the type of pitcher that the Reds should add to their young rotation.
@drascott don’t forget to include Farhan on the Mr. Rushmore of current incompetence.
You need 6 starting pitchers, too.
I don’t understand it either since this guy is such an up and down player throughout his career.
At the end of last year I was really concerned the Reds could establish themselves as a dominant team. So far they have the 3 worst pick ups of the off season.
I think nobody did
They already signed two pitchers for not much less than 15M/year each and neither is definite starter. .. Funny idea I heard about Candelario is taking him off market increases India’s current demand.
Ken Rosenthal going to write an article about how this is bad for baseball.
No words… better not trade the good, young infielders…
you want to keep them all? need to trade someone for good SP
To be clear, I want the following infield:
1B Encarnacion-Strand
2B McLain
SS De La Cruz
3B Marte
Spencer Steer in LF. I think they should move Jonathan India. I do NOT want them to move CES, Marte, McLain, or Elly (or Steer). Those are the “good, young infielders” I don’t want to lose.
Steer for Brito?
Not a chance just cause yall got scammed doesn’t mean there down too be the next fools
A simple “no” would suffice
Lol
Steer’s a Bum. Send Brito to Houston. Then you’d have Brito the Cheatoh
They need pitching. Now the hitting won’t fall off. Makes sense
CES, Elly, McLain, and Marte are not going anywhere. Remember last year it was Kevin Newman and Votto were getting significant at bats when other players had a day of rest. Candelario will be playing 3B, 1B and DH.
16 years/$400M
It said Reds, not Padres lol.
Oh right, right, good point.
18 years/Candelario pays the Reds $400M
OK you have to explain this one to me. All the infield prospects the Reds have and they sign a FA 3B-1B? They already have too many IF’s. SMH. There has to be another move or moves coming.
Trade bait. Let someone overpay for Elly.
I sincerely hope it is the Mariners that overpays for Elly
I would also like the Giants to overpay for Elly
Easy answer is that now India is expendable. If they want to get nuts maybe they decide Fraley is expendable too
1B – CES
2B – McLain
SS – EDLC
3B – Marte
LF – Steer
CF – Friedl
RF – Benson
DH – Candelario
India could also be a solid super utility for the Reds, and it would allow him to get some regular at-bats as well as giving some of their younger guys some rest so they don’t wear down through such a long season.
Also, India was a solid hitter for the Reds against RHP, so if they have someone that mashes Lefties, but struggles more against RHP they could swap him and India out occasionally as well giving India more at-bats.
Plus, if one of their younger hitters falls into a slump, India can take his spot for a couple games and it’ll allow that player time to get in some extra practice and work on getting back to form.
The point is injuries happen, elongated slumps happen, guys regress, and some guys need the occasional rest day, etc. the Reds could definitely take advantage of India’s versatility.
India can only play one position. All the other infielders they have can play multiple
Except he isnt great on defense..so kinda negates the super part lol
A legit bat added to the middle of the order. JC may be the starter at 1B with CES at DH. India on his way out for pitching!
Meh. India is made of china.
India is a below average 2B, fair bat, and good in the clubhouse. He’s got a little extra value due to the poor FA market, but don’t expect more than a #4 with questions back in return.
So according to Cmac you just paid 45 million bucks for a DH when you already have a team of DH’s. Well played.
No, the DH position will likely be used as the 5th infielder position. Candelario, CES, McLain, Marte, and EDLC can each play at least two different infield positions, which means they can rotate or use the DH as a pseudo off-day
Don’t make this overcomplicated…Jeimer replaces Votto’s spot from last year for a little less $ and a little more defensive flexibility. It’s just confirmation that there will not be a Votto reunion.
WTF? they already have a logjam in the infield, another should be in the way °
They’re trading for a pitcher soon. I’m sure they have something lined up
You think they would have learned after signing Moustakas when they didn’t need him. Oh well, the Reds should be rebuilding again in two years after maybe getting close to the playoffs a couple of time.
Moustakas never had a stretch of 2+ WAR in 3 of 4 seasons
But he did have 7 straight seasons of OPS+ over 100. And that is beside the point anyway. My point was that the Reds signed a player despite not having a position available for him, not that the two players signed were identical.
They’ll have a spot once they trade for a pitcher
It does seem like deja vu. I thought the IF was already crowded too. Perhaps they felt they were too RH. I’m guessing the Depth Chart looks something like this:
C-1B Tyler Stephenson (RH)
C Luke Maile (RH)
1B Christian Encarnacion-Strand (RH)
IF-LF Spencer Steer (RH)
3B-1B Jeimer Candelaria (SH)
C-1B Tyler Stephenson (RH)
2B Jonathan India (RH)
SS-2B Matt McLain (RH)
IF-LF Spencer Steer (RH)
IF-CF Jose Barrero (RH)
3B-1B Jeimer Candelaria (SH)
3B Noelvi Marte (RH)
SS-3B Elly De La Cruz (SH)
IF-LF Spencer Steer (RH)
SS-3B Elly De La Cruz (SH)
SS-2B Matt McLain (RH)
IF-CF Jose Barrero (RH)
IF-LF Spencer Steer (RH)
LF Jake Fraley (LH)
OF Stuart Fairchild (RH)
LF Nick Martini (LH)
CF TJ Friedl (LH)
OF Stuart Fairchild (RH)
IF-CF Jose Barrero (RH)
RF Will Benson (LH)
OF Stuart Fairchild (RH)
Wow that’s 26 players listed in your IF wall chart. How many get traded to Chicago for Cease? Asking for a friend. Rhymes with Mets
I think I listed 15 players. I doubt Jose Berrero is in the plans. Nick Martini (LH) or even Stuart Fairchild will not be on the team unless there’s a trade. IMO, the Reds should improve their CF backup.
This is why they’re in talks with Michael A. Taylor. Backup CF, starter vs lefties.
@dumpster: Your abilities with such simple things as counting to 15 are pathetic. But those ineptitudes are also matched by your lack of any basic understanding of baseball. Just wondering, are you beginning to look for property in Nashville?
Don’t get personal. Its just a baseball blog.
Fraley can play center
Since I posted almost the entire 40-man roster, I’ll finish out the position players on the 40-man roster as of before the Candelaria acquisition. Of these, I think Hurtubise will make the team:
OF Rece Hinds (RH) Corner OF Strike Out King
OF TJ Hopkins (RH) Corner OF Good Power some speed
OF Jacob Hurtubise (LH) CF and Corner OF good contact and speed
OF Bubba Thompson (RH) Speed
About a 0% chance India is playing everyday over Marte next year
They have a little more control left than 2 years bub
That’s why they are the Reds…
Yes that is the team who signed Candelario. Good job reading the title. You get a gold star. That’s why you are a troll sir. You need to explain your reasoning or at least attempt to justify your logic. This just means they Reds are probably going to move someone out of the IF or make a trade.
I appreciate the gold star and calling me ‘Sir’. My logic is that they picked up a player, who in my opinion, they really didn’t need. Only time will tell if either of us is right…
See, the problem is…people look at trades in isolation. The Reds are thinking…we get a decent switch hitter that is better against lefties, which is a need. We get a decent defender, which we aren’t sure we have at 3B…that’s a need. We now free up other assets to trade to fill another hole in the roster…that’s a need. Not sure why this is so difficult.
Exactly.
Now there is no questions regarding Steer’s role. The right-handed bat we needed in left field.
Trade incoming for pitching?
Incoming!!!
Reds trying to beat the Cubs for Glasnow. Your move cubbies.
Beat on the Brats. Beat on the Brats. Beat on the Brats with a baseball bat oh yeah
I’m hoping the Cubs pass on Glasnow. He’s a China Doll. I would rather the Reds got him. The Cubs don’t really need a SP. Steele, Tallion and Hendricks are solid. Wicks, Assad, and Brown are coming fast. Horton could be up late in the Year. If the Cubs were to make a move I would obviously like to see Yamamoto but realistically I would be just fine with Imanaga and when Hendricks goes after this year then they’re still set. After watching the folly of this years Winter Meetings I think the Cubs could probably dump Smyly’s 11 million on somebody. This years Winter Meetings was like being a kid before Christmas and expecting a big haul. Then on Christmas Day you look under the tree and you have one present that’s socks and underwear and finding out your dad got laid off. Total disappointment.
I agree but Jed loves Glasnow. He wanted him in trade for Bryant a few years back.
Imanaga and Bellinger would be a great offseason along with Robertson. I still think Bellinger at first would allow Morel a long leash at third and the Cubs could dump Smyly and Bote on the Phils for Castellanos.
That happened fast. The Reds with a loaded infield adds another Infielder.
Trade with the Rays for Glasnow forthcoming?
Hope not rather have Bieber.
Forthcoming!
Looking like India is on the move
Looking like that should have happened before this signing. Now the Reds have ZERO leverage in negotiation.
If they dealt India wouldn’t they lose leverage in negotiations for Candelario? Don’t be obtuse.
No, because the deal between the Reds and Candelario did not involve a third party. Leverage only matters whenin cases like this when a third or fourth party is needed.
Besides, even if they dealt India they still wouldn’t NEED Candelario.
Sell India to the Indians. Er, Guardians
Wow, pray they don’t get the 22 version.
Yeah these are the hitters you don’t sign. Candelario is an overrated journeyman without a good track record. Eerily similar to Moustakas.
without a good track record? aside from the down year in Detroit, where almost all of their hitters had down years, he’s got around a 125 OPS+ between ’20, ’21, and ’23.
Pretty sure he’s in the top 10 for most doubles since 2020. Yeah, he’s not a huge impact bat, but it’s pretty disingenuous to call him a journeyman scrub when he’s only signed 2 free agent contracts in 8 years. Especially when he’s coming off a year where his OPS was better than guys like Lindor, Bregman, Torres, Reynolds, Arozarena, Vladdy, Machado… and many other bigger names.
Yes, without a good track record. He’s had three abysmal seasons. Average, on-base, and strikeouts don’t lie. That’s half his career. And that’s why people were surprised the Nationals gave him a major league deal last off-season. These are the type of deals you don’t make and the types that end of up being dead money. And yes maybe his OPS was better than those guys but that’s because Lindor, Vlad, Machado, Reynolds, and to a lesser extent Bregman and Arozarena are coming off lackluster seasons. Do you really think the up and coming Reds should give 15 million over three years to a dude who bats .250? He’s middling at best.
I think this signing for the Reds makes very little sense, so you’ll get no argument from me there. But why are you giving those guys a free pass for “down” years but not Candy for his down year in 2022?
When you’ve been good for 3 of the past 4 years at the plate, you’re going to get a contract based on the more recent performance, not what he did back in 2019.
MLBTR estimated he was in line for a 4-year $70m deal. You don’t typically give out almost $20 mil a year to “middling” players. You can be unhappy the Reds signed him, but that’s not a valid reason to criticize his past performance. It may come as a shock, but some players aren’t giving All Star performances through their rookie/sophomore years.
2020: 2.0 WAR in 52 games
2021: 3.7 WAR
2022: 0.6 WAR
2023: 2.9 WAR
I’m not sure if you know how WAR works… but that ain’t middling
I wasn’t giving a pass to the aforementioned players. Should those guys be free agents this year, I would be apprehensive about locking them up long term. And yes, I am familiar with WAR as are most average fans nowadays so please don’t be insulting about that. However, WAR is not the end all be all. It’s far from being a perfect system. This article brings that to light> espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/28210701/how-war-calculate…
No, the only surprise was HARRIS non tendering him over a disagreement of $1MM. His bad season came after being the Tigers best player in ’21 and ’22. Hindsight now shows that he was worth the additional money, and HARRIS never found a 3B for last year.
Good point.
Or he’s 23 good and the Tigers are the schmacks
or the 2020-21 version
Could now pivot to a deal for Dylan Cease? Arroyo and Phillips plus a lottery ticket
How does this signing impact whether or not they could do that? That would be three prospects, they could do that without signing Candelario.
Now if a trade involves Elly, McLain, and/or Marte, THEN I could see it making an impact.
But as of right now, this is a team that had 6 infielders for 5 spots and now they have 7 infielders with the same 5 spots.
So weird, almost like the Reds have other plans and moves.
So I should just withhold any and all judgment until after these guys retire or something? Any possible future moves have ZERO impact on current feelings. Minds can be changed later, but I’m not going to change my mind now in the thought that they might do something else later.
Completely asinine. They don’t need a journeyman corner infielder who batted .217 one year removed. Why block the superior younger talent? Why trade a clubhouse leader in India who holds little value right now? I’ve been a fan of Krall’s but this is a definite head scratcher. Let the young talent have a crack at it.
Exactly, let the young talent have a crack at it by trading India. India won’t move off of 2B, so where is McLain supposed to play?
Shortstop where he is the best player the Reds have.
Jerry Dipoto on line 2, looking for an infielder!
My mariners will take back marte for Hancock
What are you smoking? Hancock is a Justin Dunn 2.0
Don’t get this one. There’s not even a spot in the infield for him. 3rd and 1st are taken up
DH position exists
Wouldn’t most of his value come from playing the field. One of the corners.
CES, Steer, India, McLain, Elly, Marte, and Candelario.
DH, 3B, SS, 2B, 1B
Do the math. Now two need to go instead of one.
Steer will be in LF. India will be in a different uniform. Problem solved
Except they might as well just release India now because they have no leverage whatsoever. And I watched Steer play OF, it wasn’t good. They should have learned not to do that again after ruining Senzel.
Aside from Chapman how many good free agent infielders are left out there now? Someone could argue that the Reds cornered the market on available infielders
They could already have a deal to trade India in place, but couldn’t complete it before signing Candelario. That negates the leverage problem.
Steer, India, and Marte to the Mariners. I could live with that. Jerry? We have a proposition for you.
Oates say No Can Do
Well darn & blast…could I ply you with drink & beautiful women, would that get you to come around??
There’s presumably more than one suitor for India.
The team that gets him needs to outbid the other interested teams to acquire India. That makes Cincinatti’s lineup construction pretty irrevelant. The Mariners have a full rotation of quality SP’s—- a team that has none doesn’t value the Mariners SP less because the trading team has a surplus.
There is a shortage of 2B in FA and players like Merrifield are going to be costly. That’s all the “leverage” they need. India is decent and affordable. Just don’t expect a TOR arm.
Finally the stove is heating up.
My guess is 3years with an opt out. Maybe 30mil
Mike Moustakas 2.0
Alternatively BlueBaron, what do you think of Mike Pagliarulo 2.0 instead?
I don’t think the Reds ever signed him.
Good point, I only remember him as a Yankee. Ignorant SOB dropped the ball on that one, big time.
3/45 option for a 4th year. Could be worth 60mil
Worst contract miss my MLBTR thus far
What did they predict?
4/70
That’s not fair off if the 4th year is picked up.
It’s a club option though so it’s not guaranteed still not awfully off but definitely a bit away
That could’ve been spent on a pitcher ffs, three years of this horrid contract… see y’all in 2027
Or even a right handed outfielder…
That will be Steer
Would have had enough to sign Lance Lynn! Is that what you would have proferred?
Actually wouldn’t have been mad to take a shot on Lynn, but I would rather have seen that money go to Rodriguez
Hohoholy overpay
If anyone guessed Reds—you’re a goddamn liar!
Not seeing a bargain, upside, or a need.
Must not of watched the Reds much last year when they were marching out Kevin Newmen, Joey Votto, and Jose Barrero for a total of 750 plate appearances. combined. So there was a need to get another IF.er. Also a switch hitting infielder who L/R splits are not dramatically different.
Nope. But I see a lot of young infield talent. Then I look at their top prospects and see a lot more. Thought maybe a 1 year deal guy would be a better move.
Welcome to Bargain, Upside or Need. Which happens to be the new name of the discount chain taking over Bed, Bath and Beyonds at an outlet near you.
Very fair deal. I and many other projected him to get 3 years/$36M to 4 years/$58M, so 3 years/$45M to 4 years/$60M is only a very slight overpay- which is essentially how the market has been going the past couple of off seasons, ergo it was a fair pay in years and dollars.
I mean this is not how I’d spend $15MM for the Reds.
Feels like Marte + is being dealt for Cease
I do not see Marte being traded. If the Reds are going try to extend one of their young infielders within the next year or so it will probably be Marte. Elly and McLain are Boras clients and we know how Boris advises his players about signing away their FA years.
Thinking Steer or CES will be the one moved, if any
Sure. De La Cruz has the loudest raw tools but needs a lot of refinement to reach his ceiling.
He’s such an exciting player with superstar upside though. I can’t imagine they move him or McLain. Unless they believe he won’t hit that ceiling and McLain outperformed his true abilities.
I would’ve kept them all and not spent $45MM on Candelario.
CES has legitimate plate discipline issues but his power will play up in GABP. He’s also the most likely 1B of the group—unless they have plans to put Candelario there.
You would have kept them all? Who’s been traded? Everyone is assuming these guys are being traded. The Boras clients may get traded before their final FA year.
Interesting, since Candelario is good but not great (and hasn’t been great in his career).
As for the MI logjam, McLain significantly outperformed his StatCast and could be in for regression – and he would likely bring back more than India would…
Good but not great (and hasn’t been great). That’s some robust Fangraph stuff
The only way this is better than moose is we have better players to replace him
Fraley and either India (hopefully) or Marte (probably) are on the move for a starter that’s what this tells me. Gives Steer a full time outfield spot dealing Fraley.
India and Marte for Glasnow maybe.
Not getting Marte for a rental
Hold up. What Marte do the Reds have. Ketel is on the dbacks and Startling is with the Mets.
Noelvi Marte is an extreme overpay for a 1 year rental.
Maybe reds DH him or move him to the outfield.
Christopher Morel would be too. Especially for someone who hasn’t surpassed 120IP. Glasnow would be a nice addition to any rotation but it’s high risk high reward. The cubs have a ton of OFers in their farm. They wouldn’t need to give up anyone in triple A. If they ultimately acquire Glasnow I think someone else will go to the cubs with him. Maybe the Cubs take on 75% of his 25 nil
The Cubs sure have a ton of OFers at their farm. Take PCA. O fer 3. O fer 4. O fer 5. O fer 4.
PCA only had 15PA. Very small sample size. Canario was benched for 2 weeks before he had a ML AB. That’s awful managing.
Anyone who follows the Reds news knows that EDLC told management he’s willing to play whatever position they need him to. Including OF. There has been talk that he could be placed in CF with his physical tools that would make sense. In this modern way of playing the game you have a lot more platooning. Moving players around positions. Within reason. Maybe they convince India to move to LF.
They can still sign another pitcher. Their payroll is not going to even get close to before the 2020 season.
For those who aren’t Reds fans posting how stupid the Reds are or are confused. Why would you even care? It’s best that they keep being stupid for the sake of the other Central teams.
Ordering his new jersey as we speak!!
Reds are about to Mash! Cubs are about to Potato
It’s all gravy from here on out!
About to M*A*S*H hence all the extra infielders
The Reds are not trading Marte, McClain, EDLC, Steer or CES for 1 year rentals or middle to bottom of the rotation pitchers.
Steer and Sims for Mariners Miller or Woo plus Moore/Haggerty
Steer is moving to LF. It will be India moving.
Also Moore and Haggerty are both trash.
Did they not learn anything from Mike Moustakas? He has almost identical stats as MM, lifetime .243 with a .325 OBP, averages 11 hr and 40 RBI per year.
Wanted the Brewers to get him at the trade deadline. Instead he went to the cubs. Wanted the brewers to sign him. Instead he went to the reds. Instead the brewers are seeking mediocre offensive players per usual lol
Cruz Candelario Vatos Locos Pico Aliso 4Life!!!
While definitely unexpected, this move does improve the team. Payroll is still at 2023 levels. Almost every position player on the Reds roster (besides Candelerio, Maile, Fairchild, and Barerro) have options- so no moves or trades are required. This move does demonstrate that Krall and the Reds no longer consider the team to be transitioning, but are assembling a contending team roster for 2024.
Surprising given the glut of infielders.
I get a kick out of the Reds signing a cubbies FA. Now go out and get one more (Marcus Stroman) and call it a day.
They need him like a hole in the head.
Ever heard of PITCHING, Po Boy?
After reading the comments, not sure how to feel about this one
$$$ would have been better spent on a SP, or even an OF with some punch. But an INF?
Sorry, Reds fans. I don’t get this signing.
Have you seen how much SP is going for on the FA market? That $15MM will likely get you a #5 for the rotation. Instead it got one of the better bats available, allowing for a trade of excess for pitching.
I honestly would have rather brought back Senzel or overpaid for Votto for another year. What a waste of money we could have used on pitching or an OF
Mike Moustakas all over . Should have paired the money from Martinez and paid for a upper level starter
Can he pitch? All jokes aside, only had had one decent year. That money could have gone to pitching
Definitely a surprise this morning. If a trade for pitching immediately follows this move it might make sense, otherwise it doesn’t
Reds aren’t going to trade any of the kids they brought up last year. India to the Dodgers for a A or AA arm. He DH’s and flips with Mookie at 2B since it appears JD Martinez is departing LA.
With all the promising young players the Reds have, why lay out $45 mil to a player coming off his best year? Are they pretending to be a large market team? That money could be used elsewhere.
He has had well above-average numbers in 3 of the last 4 years.
2020 – 140 wRC+
2021 – 119 wRC+
2022 – bad year
2023 – 117 wRC+
A 117 wRC+ would’ve been the 4th highest on the Reds last season FYI
A trade for a pitcher is coming. I’m betting it’s the Biebs.
Bieber would be a terrible target. He is past his prime, often injured and will be a free agent next year. Absolutely the last pitcher I would target.
Confused by this one…the reds have so many infield prospects. The money definitely could’ve been put towards some pitching, which they need more than a 3B or DH. Very interesting decision, I had him pegged for Cubs or Dbacks.
Shohei called them and said “I only want to play with candelario.” Ohtani to Reds confirmed.
Kind of a head scratcher, especially seeing what the white Sox wanted for Cease. The only logical thing for them to do is trade someone, hoping it’s India. Marte was coming into form the end of last year after Elly hit him in the face with that ball. Candelario did kill the reds pretty much every time he played them last year so I guess it makes sense. Hoping the reds look to sign someone rather than over pay in a trade like they did when they traded with the Dodgers years ago. If they just trade India I wouldn’t mind but don’t want them to trade a younger infielder plus Phillips, Lowder or Ty Floyd.
Interesting but a good player. Nice pickup and iam a cubs fan too
The Reds must have a trade for pitching lined up. Otherwise this makes no sense at all.
Oops
Waste of money the candy man had one good half of a season that’s it, had him here in Detroit would maybe give the Reds one or two good months of Baseball then stink it up the rest of the year…should have put that money towards Pitching
This feels odd. They are basically paying Candelario $15M to play 3rd instead of Marte doing the same thing for minimum wage. This seems like Moose Redux.
They must of all ended up at a party in Nashville doing white lines. Haven’t they learned handing out the ridiculous contracts to 1 season wonders or over the hill veterans. We Just got Rid of Moosuxass and Myers contract. This guys a.243 hitter with 20hr. They were getting so close to something. This will be a repeat of years past. As they will come up short again…its basically the biggest tease in baseball. Full rebuild in two years. They wont be able to keep anyone. So sell off again. Look at who the reds have had since 2015. Chapman Frazier Gray Iglesias Duval Gausman Philips Castillo BAUER Miley Lorenzen Cueto. I m sure there is some bats I am missing in there too.
This owner group will never figure it out.
Sell The Team Bob!
Its the high school sweetheart that wont commit and loves to tease you. Excuse me sir can I have another? What a Joke. Complete waist of Money. Marte or Votto cant give u 240 and 20HR???..Could save close to 5 million keeping Votto…Krall listen…U Need pitching!!! You should of went after Rodriguez. Quit hanging out in the alley looking for a cheap buzz. Go inside and pay for the top shelf. Ohtani would of been the right move. Not gonna win this year. Bell wont cut it. Maybe a wild card in 2026. Doubt it!
They are still 2 years away..
Ohtani would’ve been a terrible signing for the reds lmao
I can’t see the Cubs wanting to pay Chapman’s asking price over this deal… this is a tough one. Third base and 1B options are really dwindling and I don’t see the Cubs paying Bellinger’s price tag. Is Chicago really running it back with different manager?…
Cincy’s angling to raid the Cubs farm for one of their infielders?!
Highly unlikely but I’m not sure what the Reds are actually doing with this move.
Overpay! Candy is good every other year and he’s getting older. Don’t understand this contact signing for the Reds and it will not age well
Absolutely HATE this move. You spend the last three years pinching Pennie’s and when you finally decide to spend money, you sign a 1B/DH who shouldn’t start ahead of any of last years rookies. This contract is not going to age well. It’s Moustakas 2.0. Proves once again, that while Nick Krall may be able to trade talented Major league players for prospects, he does not know how to run a major league franchise.
Well, got this one wrong. Did not even think Reds would be a suitor let alone sign him. But, here we are. Had him signing a deal with the Cubs, so that they can move on from Patrick Wisdom.
Cease is most definitely available, so it’s a possibility that logjam of infielders gets solved soon.
Unless this portends a trade for a SP I am definitely scratching my head. I’d say he’ll get phased out like Willie Harris was in ’12, vet utility bat okay whatever, but three years?! 15m per?! Does he have a wonderful personality and clubhouse presence?
PITCHING!!!!
Nick Krall you IDIOT we need PITCHING!!!
Great pick up, he smashes at Riverfront stadium, with inevitable injuries they are just creating depth, switch hitter, adds veteran to staff, plays several positions, overall good clubhouse guy a win win, wanted to play here, still adding starting pitcher next
Yeah, in 46 PA. That’s worth $45 million!
/s
Riverfront Stadium was imploded in 1999. The Reds have been playing at Great American Ball Park for nearly a quarter of a century.
Longtime Reds fan here, you all need to chill out on this move. I like it. Obviously, this is not the last move for the Reds. An ace will be on their way to Cincy soon.
@braddy513 BRING BACK THE DOWNVOTE.
Always among the worst deals teams make. There’s no upside. You’ll either break even or get poor results.
Heads you tie, Tails you lose.
At least the Reds learned a (very) little something from the fiasco that was the Moustakas deal, where Moose (Mouse?) gave them negative 1.7 bWAR for 4/60m, At least here, Jeimer’s a year younger and the last, worthless year is optional. Ugh.
It’s not cool to be a Reds hater anymore. Get with the times. We’re on the way back to the top!
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Elly, or Marte start the season in AAA. Marte was called up late and didn’t have many AB’s and Elly started out really strong, but didn’t look as dominating at the plate after he couldn’t use that the device on the bottom of his bat. .
Both Elly and Marte tore up AAA pitching last season, there is nothing for them to do there. What they need to learn now, they can only learn at the Major League level.
Elly wouldn’t surprise me. He may need a refresher.
Wow, this deal is a shocker. I’m glad the Tigers aren’t tied to that contract. What are the Reds thinking? Their roster is packed with better infielders already. I don’t get this one.
Cool screen name.
I hated this move like everyone else, but I’m warming to it a bit. He’s one of the better hitters out there, money isn’t crazy, and I’m not sure what free agent pitcher they were going to get that was the ace they need.
Would rather have seen Sonny Gray come home, but I’m not looking at this as the worst thing ever. Or maybe it is. Fu…..
I feel the same way haha. Still hopeful they at least bring in a Michael Wacha or someone like that if they don’t trade for Cease, Glasnow, or Bieber. I really like Bieber, but he scares me with his dipping velocity and potential injury. I think I like Glasnow more than Cease, but the control and money is better with Cease.
They need to get an ace for this to be considered a truly successful offseason. They just barely missed out on Sonny Gray, which was unfortunate. I think Glasnow is perfect for them. He won’t cost as much as Cease, and (when healthy) his upside is even higher than him. Only a one year commitment.
Now… Shock the baseball world and go sign Blake Snell! Overpay if they have to! They have the room, and the money!
They should sign Matt Chapman too. That would shock everyone haha
Oops.
Hmmm… I had him going to the Blue Jays.
Good now trade the Nats for Lane Thomas & the Marlins for Edward Cabrera & be done….
This guy is worth 35 comments tops…
Reds bid $699,999,999.99 for Ohtahni. Now set their sights on Yamamoto for 10 yrs at 300 million. Bob signs Bellinger to an 8 yr contract, but has him benched for TJ. Johnny Bench comes out of retirement to his .299 with 39 hrs and 99 rbi in only 60 starts.
The Reds have a plethora of young infielders, but they sign the Candy man. The Cubs, meanwhile; have no 1B or 3B yet he’s not good enough? Hoyer goes into the Ohtani bidding not knowing they would have to spend at least 500M?? He needs to be fired!
This FA signing makes ZERO sense for the Reds.
A classic 220 hitter not worth the money
I wonder if the Jays and the reds could match up in a trade. Jays have SP and need infielders. Not too interested in India, but one of the others could work.