Reds face a bold fork: trade Hunter Greene to stock the win-now shelves or keep developing him as the centerpiece of a championship bid. Greene’s ceiling is obvious, his contract friendly to three more seasons, and his value could spark a massive offseason package. Yet shipping a 100-mph ace risks derailing a promising timeline unless the Reds instantly replace him with multiple high-impact pieces.

Another bold path centers on landing Kyle Schwarber to add thump and balance to a lineup craving power, which would require a real payroll push from Castellini. The column argues ownership and Nick Krall must show guts—perhaps duplicating Francona-era aggressiveness—to turn a good club into a true World Series contender. Cincinnati’s near-miss mood makes these questions especially tense as 2024 unfolds.

The Diamondbacks’ recent aggressive posture and a near-miss at the deadline are a reminder that bold moves can pay off. If Castellini commits and Krall lands Schwarber while a Greene exit funds other upgrades, the Reds could shock the world in a couple of seasons. It’s a test of guts, timing, and willingness to gamble for a title.

The New York Yankees have officially signed veteran infielder Jeimer Candelario to a minor league contract, subsequently assigning him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. This move is particularly relevant as the Yankees have been grappling with third base inconsistency, an area that has seen Jazz Chisholm Jr. feeling more at home at second base, while DJ LeMahieu has shifted to second upon returning from injury. Candelario, a switch-hitter, was released by the Cincinnati Reds after struggling with a .113 batting average this season but has previously demonstrated his potential, hitting .251 with 22 home runs last year. The Yankees are contemplating further upgrades at third base as the trade deadline approaches, especially following injury news regarding Clarke Schmidt.

Jeimer Candelario's tenure with the Cincinnati Reds has come to an end as the team officially released him, following a disappointing performance during his time with the club. Initially signed to a three-year, $45 million deal, Candelario was designated for assignment earlier this season, reflecting the club's lack of confidence in his ability to contribute. The Reds opted to pay him $22.5 million to avoid utilizing his services in the upcoming season, choosing instead to invest in players who can enhance their winning potential. Candelario's struggles at the plate were evident, as he managed a mere .113 batting average this season, which forced the team's hand in making this hard decision.

Jeimer Candelario's stint with the Cincinnati Reds has come to an abrupt end as the team designated him for assignment. This decision comes after a disappointing season where Candelario struggled at the plate, averaging just .113 with only nine hits in 80 at-bats. The 31-year-old infielder had signed a three-year, $45 million deal, but injuries have hindered his performance, leading to his recent designation just prior to a game against the New York Yankees.

Manager Terry Francona expressed the difficulty of this decision, acknowledging it was challenging to reach Candelario amidst the circumstances. The Reds are looking towards younger players like Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Spencer Steer, who have shown promising performances in recent games, contributing to the team's recent success of winning 11 out of their last 16 games.

Jeimer Candelario's time with the Cincinnati Reds has come to an abrupt end as the club designated him for assignment. This move, coming before a game against the New York Yankees, marks the conclusion of what was supposed to be a promising tenure following his three-year, $45 million contract signed in December 2023.

At 31, Candelario has struggled with injuries, culminating in a disappointing .113 batting average over 22 games this season. Since late April, he has been sidelined due to a lumbar spine strain, and recently returned from a rehab assignment. With Candelario's departure, the Reds are leaning on the emerging talents of Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Spencer Steer, who have shown promise at the corners.