It would be the epitome of a marginal move, but Jeimer Candelario makes so much sense for the Miami Marlins at this juncture. Candelario was designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds on Monday midway through a lamentable three-year, $45 million deal. He is certain to clear waivers in the coming days and be released. Once that happens, the Marlins ought to sign the 31-year-old and immediately add him to their big league roster.

I’m not going to exaggerate Candelario’s credentials—he has never been an MLB All-Star or Silver Slugger, nor does he have any postseason experience. However, he has doubled the career wins above replacement (10.5 fWAR/9.3 bWAR) of any current Marlins position player and more MLB home runs (110) than every infielder currently in the Marlins organization combined. We are only two years removed from him starting games for a stacked Dominican Republic team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and being one of the most coveted trade chips at the ensuing trade deadline. He’d be a valuable clubhouse presence for a rebuilding Marlins team that is particularly inexperienced on the position player side.

The short-term roster fit is simple. The Marlins could DFA seldom-used Jack Winkler as the corresponding move. Winkler is a safe bet to clear waivers and remain with the organization. Candelario would make occasional starts (1B/3B/DH) and pinch-hitting appearances against right-handed pitchers—he slugged .465 against them last season.

Potentially as soon as next week, Derek Hill could be ready to return from his left wrist sprain. This season has taught us, unfortunately, that often when one player has mended from an injury, another player goes down. Whether that turns out to be the case again, or if the Marlins have to make an unpopular move like optioning the hot-hitting Heriberto Hernández, they should find a way to keep Candelario around through July, at the very least.

If Candelario does not significantly improve upon his Reds production (.113/.198/.213 in 91 PA), then of course, cut him later in the summer and try out other internal options. In the meantime, I think he’s worth a shot.

Down on the farm, FCL Marlins won, 5-2. Jeremy Almonte and Jose Monserrate each reached base safely three times. DSL Marlins won, 9-6. Diwarys Encarnación had his first career multi-home run game and has taken the outright Dominican Summer League lead with five homers this season. Encarnación has also lowered his strikeout rate from 16.8% in 2024 to 10.8% in 2025. Hopefully the 19-year-old utility player gets a taste of the FCL soon. FCL Miami lost, 3-1.

More Marlins news and content below:

🔷 The Minnesota Twins claimed Connor Gillispie off waivers and optioned him to Triple-A. Gillispie was originally acquired by the Marlins as a waiver claim in January.

🔷 DFA’d by the Marlins on Saturday, Robinson Piña remains in limbo.

🔷 On this day in 2000, Preston Wilson and Derrek Lee each homered twice in a Marlins win over the Chicago Cubs.

🔷 Elsewhere around baseball, old friend Trevor Rogers tossed a career-high eight innings in the Baltimore Orioles’ shutout win. Cal Raleigh did it again, homering for the 32nd time. The Twins have lost 10 of their last 11 games.

🔷 Today’s MLB game: the Marlins (probable starter RHP Cal Quantrill) begin their week out west by visiting the San Francisco Giants (RHP Justin Verlander). Verlander is still seeking his first win of the season. The Marlins have a 38.4% chance to win, per FanGraphs. Full organizational schedule below.

🔷 Prior to the game, Fish On First LIVE will preview the Giants series beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET. FOF LIVE is presented by About The Fans. Check out our new merchandise collection (coupon code fof10 for 10% off).

 

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