Reds fans' frustrations boil over as prized free agent's 2024 season ends prematurely

The Cincinnati Reds spent a considerable amount of money this past offseason; there's no denying that. The Reds front office invested more than $100 million in free agency, adding veteran leadership to a roster teeming with young talent.

The Reds' most expensive offseason acquisition was made shortly after the MLB Winter Meetings. The Reds agreed to terms with free agent infielder Jeimer Candelario on a three-year, $45 million contract. The deal struck many Reds fans as odd considering the infield depth on the roster heading into spring training.

But after watching Matt McLain wind up on the IL with a shoulder injury and Noelvi Marte miss the first-half of the 2024 season following a PED suspension, there was a feeling of relief with Candelario's presence on the roster once Opening Day came around. But Candelario's production hardly matched his contract, and the latest injury update is not what the fanbase wanted to hear.

Jeimer Candelario will end his first season with the Reds on the injured list

According to Reds manager David Bell, Candelario is unlikely to return this season. The Reds infielder was struck in the foot by a stray pitch back in mid-August and landed on the 10-day IL shortly afterward.

Candelario's first year in Cincinnati will be a forgettable one. Outside of June's performance, the 30-year-old had a below-average inaugural season in a Reds uniform. Candelario hit just .225/.279/.429 with 20 home runs and 56 RBI. The veteran's defense was also atrocious, as Candelario logged time at both first and third base.

The Reds still owe Candelario $30 million over the next two seasons, so foolish thoughts of trading away the longtime Detroit Tigers infielder this coming winter are sorely misplaced. If healthy, Candelario will be back with the Reds next season and likely part of Cincinnati's everyday lineup.

Candelario will have to fight for playing time, however. The Reds have seen Ty France explode onto the scene since coming over from Seattle at the end of July, and Cincinnati will likely have both Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Noelvi Marte on the Opening Day roster as well.

This is not the first time that Nick Krall and the Reds front office have made asinine free agent additions during the offseason. A few years back, Cincinnati signed Shogo Akiyama to a three-year deal, and of course there was the disaster that was Mike Moustakas' four-year contract. At the moment, Candelario's contract is looking eerily similar to those regrettable free agent deals.

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