Reds' pursuit of Jeimer Candelario could permanently push this player to the outfield

A rather odd rumor surfaced last month when it was revealed that the Cincinnati Reds had interest in signing free agent infielder Jeimer Candelario. After all, don't the Reds have enough infielders as it is?

Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall would seem to disagree with that assessment. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer is reporting that the Reds met twice with Candelario's agent during the GM Meetings last month.

If the Reds follow through with this pursuit and actually sign Candelario to a contract this offseason, Spencer Steer would undoubtedly become a full-time outfielder.

Reds' pursuit of Jeimer Candelario could permanently push Spencer Steer to the outfield

Spencer Steer's name came up in Gordon Wittenmyer's conversation with Nick Krall, and it appears as though last year's rookie would be the most likely player moved to the outfield if the Cincinnati Reds sign Jeimer Candelario or any other infielder for that matter.

Krall spoke earlier this week at the MLB Winter Meetings about a conversation he had with second baseman Jonathan India regarding a potential move to first base. It would seem as though the Reds are looking to add as much versatility to their players as possible.

The pursuit of Candelario is still an odd one given the depth Cincinnati has on the infield dirt. Even if Steer is permanently moved to the outfield, the Reds would still have India, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Noelvi Marte, Elly De La Cruz, and Matt McLain vying for playing time.

The biggest reason, aside from the $20-million payday, that Cincinnati did not pick up Joey Votto's team-option was because of the lack of available playing time for the former NL MVP. Won't adding another infielder just gum up the works even more?

Perhaps the Cincinnati Reds' pursuit of Jeimer Candelario is part of a bigger plan. The Reds are said to be active in the trade market, and opposing GMs may be looking to acquire one of Cincinnati's MLB-ready infielders in exchange for a frontline starter.