Inside The Cubs

Previous Cubs Deadline Acquisition Gets DFA'd by Division Rivals

A former Chicago Cubs top prospect and past trade deadline acquisition was designated for assignment by his current team.
Brad Wakai|
Apr 11, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds third base Jeimer Candelario (3) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park
Apr 11, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds third base Jeimer Candelario (3) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park | Frank Bowen IV/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

In this story:

Chicago CubsCincinnati Reds

The Chicago Cubs are going to be buyers ahead of the trade deadline this year.

That is much different from how they have operated in the past couple of seasons when they had one foot on either side of the selling fence.

In 2023, the Cubs didn't do much, but they did trade for Jeimer Candelario, shipping out a package of prospects DJ Herz and Kevin Made to land the infielder.

More News: Chicago Cubs Power Duo Reaches Mark Not Seen Since 2016 World Series Team

Chicago was familiar with Candelario because they had signed him as an international free agent back in 2010, working his way into being a ranked minor leaguer in their system before eventually making his Major League debut in 2016.

But after a lackluster stint, he wasn't included on the playoff roster and missed out on winning the World Series.

One season later in 2017, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers.

More News: Chicago Cubs Star Catcher Praises Rookie Cade Horton’s MLB Progress

Candelario didn't do much in his second stint with the Cubs, either, slashing .234/.318/.445 in 41 games after the deadline. And despite him filling an infield void, his addition wasn't enough to get them into the playoffs.

After the season, though, the division rival Cincinnati Reds felt strongly enough about him to hand him a three-year, $45 million.

More News: Chicago Cubs Still Set NL Central Pace Despite Midseason Rough Patch

Unfortunately, he wasn't quite able to meet their expectations.

Now, after about a season and a half, the Reds have decided to designate him for assignment after activating him off the injured list.

Candelario will either be traded if there's a suitor or placed through waivers, but based on his performance so far this year, it's likely that he goes unclaimed.

For more Cubs news, head over to Cubs On SI.

Published
Brad Wakai
BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently is the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. He is also a contributor at FanSided, writing about the Philadelphia 76ers for The Sixers Sense. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai

Home/News