Padres could pounce after Reds surprisingly cut ties with power bat

The Cincinnati Reds made a surprising move by designating Jeimer Candelario for assignment, and while the optics of such a decision might signal a red flag to most teams, the San Diego Padres could be among those quietly monitoring the situation. Not because Candelario is some missing piece to their puzzle, but because when you're in the market for power and depth, even the most flawed options can have value — especially when the cost cheap.

Candelario’s contract with the Reds, a three-year, $45 million deal, has aged poorly. He was signed to be a middle-of-the-order switch-hitter and a stabilizer at third base or first. Instead, he’s become a really bad investment. After the 2023 season where he hit 22 home runs with a .251 average and a 111 wRC+, Candelario’s 2024 and 2025 seasons cratered. His health fell apart, and his production followed suit. This year, limited to just 22 games due to a lumbar strain, he’s slashed an ugly .113/.198/.213 — numbers that reflect more than a slump, but possibly a decline. Even on a recent rehab assignment, he couldn’t find his footing, batting .211 with just one homer in 15 games.

Could Padres find value in Reds’ misfire?

Still, the Padres have reason to at least consider a move. If Candelario clears waivers — and he almost certainly will — he could be had for the league minimum. The Reds would remain on the hook for the remaining $22.5 million on his deal through 2026. That opens the door for a classic low-risk, bounce-back flier. San Diego wouldn’t need him to be an everyday starter. Instead, he could serve as a right-handed bench bat, someone who can spell players at the corners, pinch-hit, and offer a little veteran insurance down the stretch.

Candelario’s track record, though inconsistent, includes periods of legitimate production. In 2023, he looked like a value piece on a playoff roster. And though his defense at third base has slipped, he once had an above-average glove — at least passable if used tactfully. If he’s healthy and even remotely close to form, the Padres could find value without financial commitment.

And that’s a big “if,” and the obstacles are real. San Diego would need to clear a 40-man roster spot, something that may not be worth the squeeze if the front office remains committed to giving opportunities to any younger players they feel deserving of such. Blocking a prospect for an aging veteran with a history of back problems and two straight seasons of declining numbers could prove shortsighted.

It also remains unclear whether Candelario has any long-term value beyond a fill-in. Outside of 2023, his career has been streaky at best, with bouts of hot stretches wrapped in mediocrity. If the Padres are trying to build something more sustainable, he may not fit the mold of the future. And as for the present? His most recent results suggest he's not ready to contribute to a contending club.

Still, in a market where power is at a premium and roster flexibility is key, the Padres could do worse than exploring the option. But unless they’re truly desperate for a reclamation project, Candelario’s next stop likely won’t be San Diego.