Yankees Bolster Infield with Jeimer Candelario
The New York Yankees, in their constant search to strengthen their infield, have finalized the signing of third baseman Jeimer Candelario to a minor league contract. The announcement was made this Saturday, and the player has been assigned to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre team, affiliated with the organization. Candelario, 31 years old, was released by the Cincinnati Reds on June 23. This decision came in the middle of a three-year, $45 million contract that he had signed before the start of last season. Candelario’s performance in 2024 did not meet expectations, recording an OPS of .707. In addition, he batted .113 with an OPS of .410 in 22 games with the Reds, before being placed on the injured list in April due to a back injury.For the Yankees, the addition of Candelario represents a low-cost bet on a player who demonstrated an OPS of .807 just two seasons ago. The team is looking for a third baseman to facilitate the move of Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base, his natural position. Candelario joins Nicky López, another veteran infielder the Yankees signed to a minor league contract on Thursday.Cincinnati’s decision to cut Candelario was described by Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall as a “sunk cost”.
Nick Krall
