Jeimer Candelario – Cincinnati Reds Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Jeimer Candelario has carved out a steady spot in Major League Baseball since he first appeared with the Chicago Cubs in 2016. He’s a switch-hitting third baseman, and his consistency at the plate and steady glove have made him valuable.

After stops with the Detroit Tigers and Washington Nationals, Candelario’s career took a big leap in December 2023.

Candelario signed a substantial three-year, $45 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds on December 7, 2023, which includes a guaranteed $45 million and an average annual salary of $15 million. That’s a huge jump from his earlier deals—like the one-year, $5.8 million contract he took with the Tigers in 2022 to dodge arbitration.

Candelario, who was born in the Dominican Republic, now has financial security through 2026. The Reds also hold an $18 million team option for 2027.

This new contract really shows how far Candelario has come—from a prospect to a reliable MLB player who’s earned a serious payday.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

Jeimer Candelario’s path to the big leagues started with a pretty unique childhood split between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic.

That mix of cultures and baseball influences shaped his rise through the ranks.

Youth and Amateur Career

Jeimer Candelario was born in New York City, but when he was five, his family moved to the Dominican Republic.

His dad actually opened a baseball academy there, so Jeimer basically grew up surrounded by the game.

Being raised in a baseball-focused environment gave him a real edge. He became a switch-hitter with some pop and a good eye—traits that would stick with him as a pro.

By his teens, Candelario was already turning heads as a noteworthy prospect.

Scouts liked his ability to hit from both sides and his growing skills at third base.

Path to Professional Baseball

Candelario didn’t have to wait long for a shot. At just 16, he signed with the Chicago Cubs as an international free agent in 2010.

The Cubs liked his switch-hitting and corner infield potential.

He started out in the Dominican Summer League, then moved into the U.S. minor leagues.

Candelario kept moving up through the Cubs’ system, making steady progress at every level.

He became a valuable prospect for the Cubs, but breaking into their increasingly competitive roster wasn’t easy.

That led to trade rumors, as the Cubs tried to turn their deep farm system into proven talent.

Candelario never went through the second-round pick process or the Rule 5 draft, but his journey looked a lot like other international signees grinding through the minors.

Professional Career and Teams

Jeimer Candelario’s career has taken him through several MLB teams, and he’s shown he can handle both corners of the infield while bringing some real power from both sides of the plate.

He’s had good stretches and tough ones, but he’s stuck around.

Chicago Cubs and MLB Debut

The Cubs signed Candelario out of the Dominican Republic, and he worked his way up their minor league ladder.

He made his MLB debut on July 3, 2016, during the Cubs’ World Series run.

His first stint in the majors didn’t last long, but he got a taste of the big leagues.

Between 2016 and 2017, Candelario played just 16 games for the Cubs, batting .136.

He didn’t get many chances on a team full of veterans chasing a championship.

Even with limited playing time, scouts noticed his power and discipline at the plate.

Key Tenure with Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers acquired Candelario in July 2017, trading veterans Alex Avila and Justin Wilson to the Cubs.

This move finally gave Candelario a shot at being an everyday player.

He settled in as Detroit’s regular third baseman, sometimes filling in at first.

His best year in Detroit came in 2021, when he led the majors with 42 doubles and added 16 home runs.

Candelario played for the Tigers from 2017 through 2022, sticking it out through their rebuilding years.

He signed a few one-year deals during that time, including a $555,000 contract in 2018 as he built up his resume.

Transition to Reds and Other Teams

After Detroit, Candelario joined the Washington Nationals for 2023 and found his swing again.

He then got traded back to the Cubs for a second go-around before hitting free agency.

In December 2023, Candelario landed his biggest contract yet—a three-year, $45 million deal with the Cincinnati Reds.

The Reds brought him in to add experience to a young group that already had Jonathan India, Elly De La Cruz, and Matt McLain.

Right now, Candelario is on the 10-day injured list, but once he’s back, the Reds expect him to produce and lead.

His contract has a club option for a fourth year, so he could stick around Cincinnati through 2027.

Contract Details and Free Agency

Jeimer Candelario’s career earnings have grown a lot since his rookie days.

His contracts show just how much his value has climbed in MLB.

Major Contracts and Arbitration Years

Candelario started out with small contracts.

In March 2018, he signed a one-year deal with Detroit worth $548,300.

He followed it up with another one-year contract at $555,000 the next year.

As he gained more experience and his numbers improved, his salary went up.

That’s how it goes for most MLB players—small paychecks early, then bigger ones once they hit arbitration.

During those arbitration years, Candelario’s salary jumped, reflecting his growing importance to the team.

Those years bridged the gap between his rookie deal and his first big, guaranteed contract.

Recent Contracts and Free Agent Status

Candelario’s biggest payday came with his three-year, $45 million contract that runs through 2026.

The Reds also have an $18 million team option for 2027.

Before this, he played for the Nationals in 2023 on a one-year, $5 million contract, with a chance to earn another $1 million in incentives.

Right now, Candelario is signed through 2026 and has 7.038 years of service time as of January 2025.

He won’t hit free agency until 2027, so he’s got some stability for a while.

Impact of Contract on Team Dynamics

The Reds’ decision to give Candelario a big contract shows they trust his skills and see him as a key piece for the future.

As one of the higher-paid guys on the roster, he’s expected to deliver and help lead the younger players.

A multi-year deal gives both sides some peace of mind.

For Candelario, it means financial security and fewer contract distractions.

For the team, it locks in a solid player at a predictable cost.

Of course, long-term deals come with some risk.

If Candelario’s performance dips, the Reds still have to pay him.

That could affect how they build the rest of the team.

The 2027 team option gives the Reds a bit of flexibility, while offering Candelario the chance for even more security.

On-Field Performance and Career Highlights

Jeimer Candelario has become a reliable corner infielder with real pop and a steady glove.

His ability to switch-hit and rack up extra-base hits has made him valuable to every team he’s played for.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Candelario broke into the majors with the Cubs in 2016, but he really found his footing with the Tigers.

His best stretch came in 2020 and 2021.

In 2021, he led the league with 42 doubles and showed off his gap power.

Candelario’s career batting average sits around .243, and his on-base percentage is close to .325 through 2023.

That 2021 season stands out—he hit .271 with 16 homers and 67 RBIs.

He’s been pretty durable, too, playing over 140 games in multiple years.

The Tigers named him Tiger of the Year in both 2020 and 2021, and only four other players in franchise history have done that back-to-back.

Home Runs and Offensive Impact

Candelario’s home run power has grown over time.

He’s hit double-digit homers in several seasons.

In 2021, he launched 16 home runs and drove in 67 runs.

Then, in 2023 with the Nationals, he hit a career-high 22 home runs.

Being a switch-hitter gives him and his team flexibility in the lineup.

He matches up well against both righties and lefties.

Candelario’s approach is all about extra-base hits, and he’s often among the league leaders in doubles.

His slugging percentage has topped .450 in his best years, showing he can drive the ball.

He’s also patient—usually drawing more than 50 walks in a full season.

Fielding and Infield Contributions

On defense, Candelario has split his time between first and third base.

Third base is his natural spot, and he’s got solid range with a strong, accurate arm.

His fielding percentage at third usually falls between .950 and .970, which stacks up well for the position.

His defensive stats have gotten better over the years, with positive defensive runs saved in several seasons.

Being able to handle both corners has boosted his value—especially during his Detroit years.

He’s cut down on errors and kept his range steady.

In 2023, Candelario’s defensive versatility came in handy for the Nationals and then the Cubs after his midseason trade.

That blend of solid defense and offensive production helped him land his three-year, $45 million contract with the Reds starting in 2024.

Injuries, Surgery, and Roster Moves

Jeimer Candelario has dealt with his share of injuries, and those have affected his playing time and performance.

Teams have had to make roster decisions based on his health.

Significant Injuries and Surgeries

Luckily, Candelario hasn’t needed any major surgeries in his career.

He’s had some injuries, though, that have slowed him down.

During his time with the Tigers, he played through wrist discomfort in 2020 and 2021, and that took a toll on his hitting.

With the Nationals in 2023, he suffered a thumb injury that hurt his swing for a bit, but he didn’t need surgery.

His main health issues have been back and wrist problems that pop up now and then.

Usually, he just needs rest and rehab—not surgery.

Stints on the Injured List

The Cincinnati Reds put Candelario on the 10-day injured list in April 2025. Honestly, this happened right when Candelario just couldn’t get things going at the plate.

Back with the Tigers, Candelario landed on the injured list for wrist inflammation in 2021. He spent that time with teammates Matthew Boyd and Gregory Soto, while the Tigers tried to manage his workload.

In 2019, the Tigers optioned him to Triple-A after a rough spring training, so he missed opening day. He clawed his way back onto the 25-man roster when his numbers improved.

Usually, his injured list stints haven’t lasted long. Candelario tends to return to the lineup pretty quickly.

Roster Transactions and Trades

Candelario’s career has seen a lot of roster moves and changes between teams. The Chicago Cubs developed him in their system, but then they traded him to the Detroit Tigers in 2017 with Isaac Paredes for Justin Wilson and Alex Avila.

After the 2022 season, the Tigers decided not to tender him a contract, so he became a free agent—even though he played with guys like Joe Jimenez and other core Detroit players.

He went on to sign with the Washington Nationals for 2023. There, he managed to rebuild his value before the Nationals traded him back to the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline. Funny how baseball careers come full circle sometimes.

During the 2023-2024 offseason, Candelario signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Cincinnati Reds. The contract included a $3 million signing bonus and a team option for 2027 that could pay him $18 million.

Personal Life and Net Worth

Jeimer Candelario keeps his personal life pretty private. At the same time, he’s built up some serious financial success from his MLB contracts and a few other ventures on the side.

Estimated Net Worth and Earnings

Candelario’s estimated net worth sits around $5 million, thanks to his years in pro baseball. His bank account got a big bump when he signed that three-year, $45 million contract with the Reds, which pays him about $15 million per year.

Before joining Cincinnati, Candelario played for the Nationals on a one-year, $5 million contract with up to $1 million in incentives. He keeps adding to his career earnings as he proves his value in the majors.

People who follow MLB contracts—like those at Yahoo Finance—have noticed his market value really jumped since his early days with the Cubs and Tigers. Not bad at all, right?

Off-Field Activities and Interests

Outside of baseball, Candelario keeps his personal life pretty private. He was born in New York on November 24, 1993. People call him “Candy,” and his Dominican heritage shapes a lot of what he does off the field, especially when it comes to giving back.

You’ll sometimes spot Candelario jumping into community outreach programs, mostly the ones that help young baseball players in the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. Every now and then, he posts a few snapshots or updates about these activities on his social media.

Candelario stands at 6’2″ and weighs 222 lbs. He keeps that athletic build by sticking to tough off-season workouts. When he gets a break, he prefers hanging out with family and close friends, steering clear of too much public attention.