SIGNING: Jeimer Candelario Finds New Home—To Play 3 Positions

 

One of the more notable position player free agents is off the board, as Jeimer Candelario has signed a huge 3-year, $45M contract with the up-and-coming Cincinnati Reds. 

Per MLB Insider Jon Morosi, he'll be tasked with playing two positions regularly in Cinci, with some time at a third spot.

Jeimer Candelario is expected to play third base and first base for the Reds, while also getting at-bats as a designated hitter.

His precise role depends in part on whether the Reds trade an infielder to improve their rotation. @MLB @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 7, 2023

Candelario is no stranger to both first and third base; last year with the Chicago Cubs, he split his time pretty evenly between the two corners, while in his career, he's played 633 games at 3B, and 85 at 1B, though all of the latter have come within the last four seasons. 

He'll also DH some, and maybe more often, depending on what other moves the Reds make in free agency. 

The 29-year-old set career highs last season with 22 home runs and 70 RBIs. Over the course of his eight MLB seasons, he's pretty much a league average hitter, with an OPS+ of 102.

The Reds have a glut of young stars in the middle infield, and Candelario will add a solid veteran presence. 

Photo: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports