Before exploring the trade market to address their third base situation, the New York Yankees seem content to explore low-risk veteran signings on minor league deals.
Following the recent addition of Nicky Lopez, Conor Foley of YES Network reported that the Yankees have signed infielder Jeimer Candelario. According to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, Candelario has been assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Candelario was designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds on June 23 and released on June 29 after clearing waivers — a predictable outcome given he was still in the second year of a three-year, $45 million contract.
The 31-year-old struggled in limited action for the Reds this season, slashing just .113/.198/.213 across 22 games (91 plate appearances) before a back injury sidelined him in late April.
Originally a prospect in the Cubs system and later a mainstay with the Detroit Tigers, Candelario was non-tendered after the 2022 season. He rebounded with a strong showing for the Nationals in 2023, posting a .764 OPS before being traded back to the Cubs at the deadline.
In December 2023, he signed with the Reds as a free agent but failed to make much impact in 2024, hitting .225/.279/.429 with 20 home runs over 112 games.
As a switch-hitter with 880 MLB games and 110 career homers under his belt, Candelario brings experience. The Yankees will hope to help him rediscover his form and potentially earn a spot on the major league roster.
