Reds can’t enjoy the victory knowing this Angels disaster is still costing them

The Cincinnati Reds are not known as big spenders in free agency. That's not to say that they won't spend any money, but oftentimes Cincinnati plays on the periphery, trying to find bargains or players that other organizations have overlooked.

Occasionally, however, the Reds splurge a bit — at least for their tastes. But more times than not, the Reds miss the mark. Fans will remember the Mike Moustakas era all too well. After an All-Star season with the Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati signed him to a four-year, $64 million deal.

But Moustakas' production never matched his salary. During the first three seasons of that deal, he hit just .216/.300/.383. The Reds made should there wouldn't be a fourth and released him during the 2023-24 offseason.

Nevertheless, the Reds went back to the well once again and signed Jeimer Candelario to a three-year, $45 million deal ahead of the 2024 season. Candelario crashed a burned, and after playing just 22 games for the Reds in 2025, Cincinnati designated him for assignment despite the hefty sum still attached to his contract.

Candelario signed a contract with the New York Yankees last summer, but never made it back to the big leagues. He elected free agency this past offseason and the Los Angeles Angels inked him to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training.

Angels just DFA'd Jeimer Candelario, jusifying the Reds' decision

Surprisingly, Candelario excelled in spring training with the Angels and earned his way onto the roster — though that's not really saying much for a team with Yoan Moncada starting at third base. But once the regular season began, Candelario looked like the same player who wore out his welcome in Cincinnati. The Angels just DFA'd Candelario ahead of Saturday's game against the Reds.

He made just 20 plate appearances in seven games and hit a pathetic .111 with a .422 OPS. His defense had been predictably bad, after committing one error and he's been worth -4 outs above average (OAA).

Sadly, even though he's not playing for the Reds this season, Cincinnati is paying for his services. The Reds are on the hook for $12 million in salary and $3 million for the buyout; minus the $780,000 the Halos were paying him this season. So while it's great that he's not clogging up a roster spot, the Reds are still feeling the effects of his presence.