Associated Press
| Associated Press
Cincinnati – Jeimer Candelario – the Reds’ highest-priced signing of the past six seasons – has seen his tenure in Cincinnati end.
The Reds designated the oft-injured infielder for assignment Monday before their game against the New York Yankees.
Candelario signed a three-year, $45 million contract in December 2023. He is owed nearly $23 million, including $7,983,871 for the remainder of this season, $12 million for next season and a $3 million buyout for 2027.
“It was hard to get a hold of him. And (general manager) Nick (Krall) finally talked to him and said it was, as you can imagine, (difficult),” manager Terry Francona said. “I have tried to reach out to him, and he understandably, it was just going to voicemail, and I get it. But again, I will say, it’s tough. I know that’s not an easy decision, but we think it can help make us better.”
The 31-year old Candelario was batting .113 (9 of 80) in 22 games this season. He had been sidelined since late April due to a lumbar spine strain. He was on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville before returning to Cincinnati on Sunday.
Candelario played 131 games for Cincinnati and batted .207.
Candelario was traded to the Detroit Tigers with Isaac Paredes by the Chicago Cubs in July 2017 for Alex Avila and Justin Wilson. Candelario left Detroit for the Washington Nationals in free agency in November 2022.
Ex-Tiger promoted
The Chicago Cubs selected the contract of former Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer from Triple-A Iowa and optioned right-hander Nate Pearson to Iowa on Monday ahead of a four-game series against the Cardinals.
Fulmer, 32, returns to the Cubs after going 3-5 with two saves and a 4.42 ERA in 58 appearances for Chicago in 2023.
Fulmer missed the 2024 season after undergoing UCL revision surgery on his right elbow on Oct. 18, 2023.
Fulmer, who was the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year with Detroit, had Tommy John surgery on March 27, 2019, and returned to the major leagues on July 27, 2020, just after the start of the pandemic-shortened season.
Top prospect to debut
Growing up, Chase Burns dreamed of playing for the New York Yankees.
He’s about to make his major league debut against them.
The 22-year-old Burns will take the mound for the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night, less than a year after being the second overall pick in the 2024 amateur draft.
“I wanted to be like Derek Jeter and play shortstop. I’m excited to have a Reds uniform, though,” Burns said Monday before Cincinnati opened a three-game series against the Yankees.
The right-hander went 7-3 with a 1.77 ERA in 13 starts with Class-A Dayton, Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville before Reds brass declared him big league ready. He was elevated to the taxi squad Monday and will be added to the active roster before Tuesday’s game.
“I talked about it a lot. I wanted to move up quick and make an impact, but when it happens it’s surreal. Just the other day it felt like I was in Dayton and making my first start,” Burns said.
Burns will be the fifth first-round selection from last year’s draft to reach the majors, joining Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz, Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone, Angels second baseman Christian Moore and Astros outfielder Cam Smith, who was selected by the Cubs before going to Houston in the Kyle Tucker trade last December. Burns and Kurtz both attended Wake Forest.
Burns’ strength is his fastball, which is averaging 97 mph and regularly hits triple digits. He also has an above-average slider as a secondary pitch and has improved his changeup.
Diamondbacks sign McCann
Arizona signed James McCann to a major league contract following his release from the Atlanta Braves, and the 35-year-old catcher joined the Diamondbacks on Monday for their game against the Chicago White Sox.
Arizona also designated catcher Aramis Garcia for assignment.
McCann agreed to a one-year contract for the $760,000 minimum while in the major leagues and $180,000 while in the minors. With 99 days remaining in the season, McCann would receive $404,516 should he remain in the majors the rest of the way.
A second-round draft pick in 2011 by Detroit, McCann has played 11 seasons in the majors with the Tigers (2014-18), White Sox (2019-20), Mets (2021-22) and Orioles (2023-24). He has batted .241 over his career with 92 homers and 373 RBIs.
Tatis sues Big League Advance
San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. filed a lawsuit Monday against Big League Advance in an attempt to void the future earnings contract he signed as a 17-year-old minor leaguer that could cost him about $34 million.
The lawsuit, filed in San Diego County Superior Court, accuses BLA of using predatory tactics to lure him into an “investment deal” that was actually an illegal loan. BLA misrepresented itself to Tatis, hiding its unlicensed status and pushing him into loan terms banned by California’s consumer protection laws, the suit alleges.
Attorney Robert Hertzberg said the suit also seeks public injunctive relief to protect young athletes from being lured into such deals.
Hertzberg said Tatis received $2 million up front in exchange for 10% of future earnings. Tatis signed a $340 million, 14-year contract in February 2021. Hertzberg said Tatis would also be on the hook for future earnings from any subsequent contract he might sign, unless the deal is voided.
“I’m fighting this battle not just for myself but for everyone still chasing their dream and hoping to provide a better life for their family,” Tatis said in a statement provided by a publicist. “I want to help protect those young players who don’t yet know how to protect themselves from these predatory lenders and illegal financial schemes – kids’ focus should be on their passion for baseball, not dodging shady business deals.”
Hertzberg said that even though Tatis signed the deal in his native Dominican Republic, he is covered by California consumer protection laws.
BLA declined comment.
Want to comment on this story? Become a subscriber today. Click here.