Reds fans who hated Jeimer Candelario signing should be apologizing to front office

All the fans who wanted to chastise Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall after the team signed Jeimer Candelario may want to reconsider their stance. The Reds top infield prospect Noelvi Marte was suspended for 80 games following a positive test for PEDs, and Cincinnati's infield depth is already being tested before the 2024 season even begins.

Shortly after the MLB Winter Meetings concluded, the Reds inked Candelario to a three-year, $45 million contract. Many pundits and fans questioned the move. After all, didn't the Reds part ways with Joey Votto because there weren't enough at-bats available?

But Krall insisted that the fit was a good one, and Reds fans should be happy Cincinnati's top executive made that decision. While Candelario was slated to see time at both corner infield spots and DH, without Marte, look for the veteran to log a lot of innings at third base.

Reds fans who hated Jeimer Candelario signing should be apologizing to front office

Candelario was one of many free agent acquisitions the Reds made this offseason, but was easily the most controversial. With a roster of Marte, Elly De La Cruz, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, and Jonathan India, why did the Reds need another infielder?

The Reds knew going into the season that having a roster made of mostly second and third-year players, while talented, could also be detrimental. Adding Candelario brings a veteran presence to an extremely young clubhouse. The 30-year-old has already shown a desire to help mentor the young players on the Reds roster during spring training.

The Reds will be glad to have Candelario's glove and his bat this season, but also his leadership. Candelario has spoken about the Reds warm welcome and feeling like he's part of a family. Candelario goes from a luxury to a necessity with Marte out until later this summer.

Marte will be allowed to return to the Reds complex in Goodyear at the end of the month and can begin a rehab assignment before he returns to the team. Cincinnati will place Marte on the reserved list before the 2024 season begins.

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