The Cincinnati Reds have made a costly roster decision, designating veteran infielder Jeimer Candelario for assignment rather than activating him from the injured list. This move signifies the end of Candelario’s brief and challenging tenure with the club.
By choosing to release the former Detroit Tigers player, the Reds are electing to take on approximately $22.5 million in what is known as “dead money.” This figure represents the salary the team is still obligated to pay Candelario despite removing him from their active roster and organizational plans.
Designating a player for assignment removes them from the 40-man roster, making them available to be claimed by other teams or, typically in cases like this with a large salary obligation, released outright. The timing of the decision, coinciding with his eligibility to return from the IL, underscores the team’s assessment that his performance did not warrant a continued spot on the roster, even if healthy.
Candelario’s time in Cincinnati proved disappointing, failing to live up to expectations placed upon the veteran infielder. The decision to absorb a significant financial hit like $22.5 million highlights the club’s willingness to prioritize flexibility and roster spots over the remaining salary commitment for a player whose performance did not meet their needs.
