Former Yankees trade deadline target magically becomes available after stunning DFA

Back in 2023, before the wheels completely fell off the New York Yankees' season, fans were trying to reason with themselves, wondering if the team could salvage everything at the trade deadline. We'll never know, though, because Brian Cashman acquired Keynan Middleton and called it a day.

One of the names fans were eyeing was Jeimer Candelario, who ended up getting dealt to the Chicago Cubs and provided an immediate spark for them. Would've potentially been nice for New York, but definitely wouldn't have made a difference with how the rest of the roster cratered without Aaron Judge in the fold.

And what do you know? On Monday, Candelario was designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds in a shocking roster move. He signed a three-year, $45 million contract before the 2024 season and the Reds are willing to eat $30 million just to clear space for their younger players who are performing better.

Candelario will now be exposed to waivers and teams will have a chance to claim him. The only problem with that is, if he's claimed, the team that makes that decision will be on the hook for the remainder of his contract. It's more likely he clears waivers and then signs with a team of his choice for the league minimum.

Should the Yankees bite here? Candelario was knocking on the door of becoming a star player with the Detroit Tigers, but has logged -1.6 WAR over his last 134 games. Last year, he was terrible defensively. This year, he's been injured and very bad with the bat.

Should Yankees take chance on former trade deadline target Jeimer Candelario?

In theory, the Yankees should take a chance because of how cheap he will be if he clears waivers, because if he doesn't work out then he can be cut loose for nothing. They have enough time between now and the trade deadline to judge whether the veteran would be a worthwhile addition or not.

They shouldn't, however, consider claiming him off waivers. It's far too much of a risk with his hefty contract and how he's been performing of late. While it's possible Candelario immediately becomes a change-of-scenery candidate, it's not worth a $30 million roll of the dice. It's worth a $740K one-month trial, though.

The switch-hitter is from New York and provides defensive versatility where the Yankees currently need it (third base and first base). He strikes out a lot and doesn't get on base a ton, but he brings power (he hit 20 homers last year and led the league in doubles back in 2021).

Unless another team is crazy enough to claim him, the Yankees should be one of the first reaching out to the slugger once he clears waivers.