4 potential landing spots for Jeimer Candelario if the Reds decide to cut bait

With almost a year’s worth of hindsight, the Cincinnati Reds’ signing of Jeimer Candelario seems like an albatross. The switch-hitting corner infielder battled injuries and slumps throughout the season, and many in Cincinnati can’t wait to see the team offload his contract, which guarantees $27 million over the next two years.

If the Reds do attempt to trade Candelario, a handful of teams may be willing to play ball. While his contract may be seen in a negative light by some Reds fans, some teams may be willing to trade for the 31-year-old.

The Reds might have a few suitors if they choose to offload Jeimer Candelario and his bloated contract

Kansas City Royals

One of the likelier destinations is a team that has been tied to the Reds already this offseason. While the Royals and Reds already swapped Brady Singer and Jonathan India, Kansas City could also be a trade partner with Cincinnati for Candelario. The Royals have holes on their depth chart at both first and third, and they are actively shopping for the hot corner.

Two factors would hold up a Royals-Reds trade, though. As seen in the Singer-India proposal, Kansas City seems more willing to part with pitching than any other pieces. The Reds already have a backlog in the rotation, even more so after Nick Martinez’s signing.

Additionally, Candelario’s greatest asset is his power (his fielding is just so-so), and his bat wouldn’t play as well at Kauffman Stadium as it did at Great American or Wrigley. According to Statcast, if Candelario played every game in Kansas City, his homer total in 2024 would have been 13 instead of 20.

Sacramento (soon to be Las Vegas) Athletics

The Athletics are in a similar boat as the Royals. Their projected lineup would feature Darell Hernaiz, a prospect who hit .192 over 48 MLB games last season, at third base. Hernaiz and top prospect Jacob Wilson could very well be the left side of the infield when the A’s finally take the field in Las Vegas, but both youngsters need further development.

Enter Candelario. Despite his down year in Cincinnati, he did step into a mentorship role for the Reds’ young stars. In all likelihood, Candelario won’t be enough to entice the A’s to part with their core outfielders, but the Reds could target Miguel Andujar if the outfield free-agent market is too rich.

Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners, too, could be in play on a Candelario trade. They are pursuing free agents at both corner infield spots, and Candy could be the piece to fill whichever side remains vacant. Unlike the Royals and A’s, Seattle would probably not be keen on parting with a big league player unless they’re dumping payroll.

Many of their stars are young and controllable; only former Reds starter Luis Castillo is set to make more than $20 million in 2025. Instead, Cincinnati could push for prospects as 28 of the Mariners’ top 30 are at Double-A or lower.

Houston Astros

The final team that could step up for a Candelario trade, although the chances are slim, is the Astros. They’ve made re-signing Alex Bregman their No. 1 priority this winter, but some signs are pointing to a big breakup.

If that happens, maybe Cincinnati will reach out for a conversation. More likely, though, Houston will just use its deep pockets on the free-agent market. They've already been linked to Willy Adames this offseason.