This offseason, the Cincinnati Reds are reportedly interested in free agent infielder Jeimer Candelario, according to a report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post.Three teams are interested in Jeimer Candelario: the Diamondbacks, Reds, and Angels.The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly expressed interest in the veteran as well.For the Reds, who
are desperate for pitchers but have an abundance of position players, this is a bit of an odd combination. The team’s infield players include Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Noelvi Marte, Matt McLain, Jonathan India, Elly De La Cruz, and Spencer Steer.
Naturally, Joey Votto’s option was declined last weekend, so he won’t be rejoining the Reds in 2019. In place of his typical third base, Candelario might be able to play first base, although Steer and Encarnacion-Strand can also play there.The soon-to-be 30-year-old spent the previous season playing for the Nationals and Cubs, where he hit.251 with 22 home runs and 70 RBI. He took eight bases as well.Candelario, who played for the Cubs, Tigers, and Nationals, recently concluded his eighth season in the major leagues.
He is a.243 hitter with 88 home runs and 318 RBI in his career. With 42 doubles, he led the American League and established himself as a reliable regular in 2017.
And the price? What Candelario will sell for on the open market is still a mystery. He should make a lot less than Matt Chapman at third base, but it’s unclear how much less he could make if the Reds decide to use him at first base.
