Angels Take Low-Risk Flier on Jeimer Candelario

ANAHEIM -- The Los Angeles Angels have signed infielder Jeimer Candelario to a minor league contract, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, with the deal including an invitation to big league Spring Training. 

The move represents a low-risk opportunity for the Angels to evaluate a veteran switch-hitter who, not long ago, was one of the more productive corner infield bats in the National League.

Candelario, 32, enters camp aiming to secure a spot on an Opening Day roster as he approaches what would be his 11th major league season. Originally signed by the Cubs out of the Dominican Republic, he debuted professionally in 2011 and reached the majors briefly during Chicago’s championship run in 2016.

 After a limited role with the Cubs in 2017, he was dealt to the Tigers at the trade deadline in a deal that sent Alex Avila and Justin Wilson to Chicago. That change of scenery paid immediate dividends, as Candelario impressed down the stretch in Detroit with a strong offensive showing.

While his production dipped over the following seasons, Candelario enjoyed a resurgence during the shortened 2020 campaign and followed it up with another solid year in 2021, flashing gap power and on-base skills while leading his league in doubles.

 A disappointing 2022 season led to his non-tender by Detroit, but he quickly reestablished value in 2023 with productive stops in Washington and Chicago, earning a solid overall season that put him back on the free-agent radar.

That performance resulted in a three-year, $45 million deal with the Reds ahead of the 2024 season, though his time in Cincinnati never gained traction. Injuries and defensive struggles at third base limited his effectiveness, and by 2025, he had fallen out of the Reds’ plans entirely. 

After a brief and unproductive stint, Cincinnati released him, allowing Candelario to sign a minor league deal with the Yankees, where he finished the season at Triple-A without a major league call-up.

Now with the Angels, Candelario is essentially a no-cost gamble. Cincinnati remains responsible for his salary, meaning Los Angeles would only owe him the prorated league minimum if he reaches the majors. 

While the Angels have several infield options already in place, a strong spring or unexpected roster opening could give Candelario a legitimate path back to the big leagues.