The Los Angeles Angels are taking a chance on a seasoned veteran, Jeimer Candelario, in a move that could spark debate among fans and analysts alike. Will this minor league deal be a hidden gem or a costly mistake?
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Angels have signed Candelario, a 32-year-old infielder, to a minor league contract, with an invitation to the big league Spring Training. This signing adds an intriguing element to the Angels' roster construction.
Candelario's journey in baseball began when he was signed by the Chicago Cubs from the Dominican Republic as an amateur. He made his professional debut in 2011 and briefly tasted the majors in 2016, playing five games during the Cubs' World Series-winning campaign. His career took a turn in 2017, when he was traded to the Detroit Tigers along with Isaac Paredes, in exchange for catcher Alex Avila and Justin Wilson. Candelario's time with the Tigers had its ups and downs; he showed promise in 2017 but struggled at the plate in the following years.
However, the 2020 season marked a turning point. Candelario's performance soared, posting an impressive .278/.356/.458 slash line with a wRC+ of 124 in 2020-21, and leading his league with 42 doubles in the latter season. But here's where it gets controversial—his 2022 season was a step back, leading to his non-tender by the Tigers. Yet, he bounced back with a strong showing in 2023 for the Nationals and Cubs, finishing with a 118 wRC+ and 3.2 fWAR.
The Cincinnati Reds saw potential and signed Candelario to a three-year, $45MM contract for the 2024-2026 seasons. Unfortunately, his time in Cincinnati was marred by injuries and underperformance. Battling knee tendinitis and a fractured toe, Candelario's defensive woes cost him the third base position, and he was released after a poor showing in 2025.
Candelario signed with the Yankees on a minor league deal last season but failed to make an impact at Triple-A. Now, the Angels are giving him another shot, despite an already crowded infield. With Yoan Moncada, Vaughn Grissom, and Oswald Peraza vying for third base, and Nolan Schanuel locked in at first, Candelario's path to the roster seems challenging. But a strong performance in Spring Training or an injury to a key player could change everything.
This signing raises questions: Is Candelario a worthwhile investment for the Angels? Can he reclaim his form and contribute to the team's success? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss the potential impact of this move on the Angels' season.
