Jeimer Candelario decision hints Reds are about to shock the trade market

The Cincinnati Reds just pulled off a shocker and designated Jeimer Candelario for assignment. Heading into the season, the Reds still owed Candelario $32 million. This type of move is very atypical for the Reds front office and ownership, but it may be sign of things to come at the MLB trade deadline.

Candelario's DFA may be the latest hint that Nick Krall and Co. will finally be aggressive at the trade deadline. In years past, Reds fans have become accustomed to the same ole song and dance, only to see Cincinnati make some rather mundane moves at the deadline in order to save face. Reds fans have seen additions like Mychal Givens and Sam Moll, but nothing to ever truly augment the roster.

Dumping Candelario proved that Cincinnati is not going to just allow an under-performer to take up a valuable spot on the Reds bench. Both Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Connor Joe had minor league options remaining, and the Reds could've very easily sent one of those two players down to Triple-A in order to activate Candelario. Instead, the veteran is now looking for a new team.

DFA'ing Jeimer Candelario hints that Reds are about to be agressive at the MLB trade deadline

But DFA'ing Candelario is just the latest move the Reds made to signal that they're all-in this season. Frankly, the first move Cincinnati made came all the way back in October when Terry Francona was hired to take over for David Bell. The Reds needed a new spark in the clubhouse, and bringing in an old-school manager who's destined for the Hall of Fame was a good place to start.

Cincinnati's recent decision to call-up Chase Burns for Game 2 of the Reds series against the New York Yankees is another clue that things are different this year. In the past, Reds fans would've seen a player like Randy Wynne or Aaron Wilkerson on the mound, but instead, the team's top prospect will make his MLB debut after just 13 minor league starts.

The Reds offense has awoken in recent days, and the starting rotation remains strong. But if the Reds are focused on making a playoff push, Krall will need to add to the team's bullpen and the lineup. While waiting for Austin Hays ad Noelvi Marte to get healthy is certainly a strategy, it's rather unwise. The Reds need more depth in their lineup — preferably a right-handed bat — and at least one more reliever.

Cincinnati has plenty of young players down on the farm who are sure to tempt other organizations to make a deal. Is this the year Krall finally relents and trades away some of his prized prospects? After seeing the Reds DFA Candelario, the answer could finally be, yes.

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