This Quiet Move Could Save Yankees’ Trade Deadline Plans

Occasionally it’s the quiet transaction that makes the sneakily significant impact. 

The New York Yankees signed Jeimer Candelario to a minor league deal today in a move that might feel like an afterthought. But for those who have been watching the carousel at third base for the Yankees this year, Candelario could be just what New York’s battered infield has been begging for. 

Candelario, 31, was designated for assignment by the Reds on June 23, then released on June 29, after posting a slash line of just .113/.198/.213 in 22 games. This after the switch-hitter slashed .225/.279/.429 in 2024, with 20 home runs and 56 RBIs. 

The 2025 production was far below what Cincinnati had expected after signing Candelario to a three-year, $45 million contract in December 2023. But the Yankees are hopeful there’s more in the tank from the 10-year veteran who enjoyed a few productive seasons in Detroit, including an OPS of .872 during the Covid-shortened 2020 campaign. 

Yankees Sign Third Baseman Jeimer Candelario to Minor League Contract

The Yankees have tried a wide assortment of uninspiring options at third base since losing Oswaldo Cabrera to a season-ending ankle injury in early May. As the Yankees have lost six straight and games watched their lead in the American League East disappear, an infield bat is expected to be one of their top targets before the July 31 trade deadline.  

As MLB insider Russell Dorsey of Yahoo!Sports wrote, “New York has been looking for someone to fill the void at third for a while, and at this point, having tried all the internal options, the fix is going to have to come from outside the organization.” 

But now, there is a possible fix inside the organization. Candelario may not represent the big-name acquisition that New York fans would prefer, but as he showed in 2023, when he combined to hit 22 home runs with 70 RBIs combined for the Nationals and Cubs, Candelario could provide the consistent gap power that would allow the Yankees to end the revolving door at third base. 

It’s a bit of a gamble, but a low-risk one, and if it works, the Yankees could then focus their trade attention on more pressing needs. Namely pitching. 

Fixing Third Base Issue With Jeimer Candelario Could Let Yankees Focus on Pitching Needs

Clarke Schmidt is likely done for the season, with Tommy John surgery expected for his injured elbow, which leaves a hole in the rotation at the worst possible time. The bullpen has sprung leaks as well, with Luke Weaver allowing home runs in three consecutive games, the latest on Friday against the New York Mets. 

The Yankees will probably be involved in conversations regarding many of the top available starting pitchers, a list that could include Sandy Alcantara, Zac Gallen, Mitch Keller, Seth Lugo. They likewise will almost certainly make calls to inquire about the availability of several reliever options that are expected to be dealt, such as David Bednar, Jake Bird, Kyle Finnegan, Pete Fairbanks. 

If Candelario works out at third base for the Yankees, they won’t have to use any top-tier prospects to patch up the infield. Instead, general manager Brian Cashman and the New York front office could allocate all the trade chips for the pitching staff. 

That would make today’s quiet signing a pretty big deal.