Tigers could reunite with former WAR leader who was hung out to dry after Reds' DFA

In 2020 and 2021, Jeimer Candelario was oftentimes the only bright spot in some of the most underwhelming lineups the Detroit Tigers have put forward. While the COVID-shortened season wasn't great for anyone, Candelario accumulated 2.1 bWAR in just 52 games, and followed it up with a 3.6 bWAR effort the next year while leading baseball in doubles.

But the bloom came off the rose in 2022, and the Tigers non-tendered him at the end of the season.

His 2023 season between the Nationals and Cubs ended up being decent enough that the Reds took a chance and gave him a three-year, $45 million contract in 2024, with a club option for 2027. Ever since, he's been either injured or underperforming.

On Monday afternoon, Cincinnati activated Candelario from the IL only to DFA him in the next breath. They still owe him around $30 million through 2026.

The Tigers might need a third baseman, as it's become pretty clear they don't have much faith in Jace Jung, but it doesn't mean that Detroit should save him from waiver purgatory or sign him for league minimum if he becomes a free agent.

Reds DFA former Tigers infielder Jeimer Candelario despite still owing him nearly $30 million

Candelario batted .251 with a .807 OPS in 2023 between the Nats and Cubs, and he had a pretty brilliant (but very brief stretch) at the plate upon his arrival to Chicago before hitting a meager .143 with a .693 OPS in September. Still, the Reds took a chance and signed him to an unusually lucrative contract, only for him to turn back into the player he was before the Tigers let him go.

This year, he went onto the IL in late April with a lumbar strain and hasn't resurfaced in the majors since. His performance during his rehab assignment (.238 with a .732 OPS) certainly wasn't anything to write home about and didn't bode well for his return to the major league level.

The Tigers have been employing a Javier Báez/Zach McKinstry/now Colt Keith carousel at third base and should still be on the lookout for a permanent option at the deadline (Eugenio Suárez, anyone?). But if Scott Harris and the Tigers front office are eyeing Candelario's almost inevitable free agency and thinking they could repair a player who was great for them at one point ... maybe they should think again.