REPORT: Jeimer Candelario made latest comments that will give fans flashbacks to former Reds All-Star
Jeimer Candelario is the Cincinnati Reds player who most needs a bounce-back season in 2025. The infielder was the team’s biggest offseason acquisition last year but failed to meet expectations, slashing .225/.279/.429 with a 90 OPS+.
Despite battling through various points of the 2024 season, Candelario ended the year on the injured list with a broken toe. Now fully healthy, he enters spring training with a fresh start, and new manager Terry Francona appears ready to give the 31-year-old every opportunity to secure the starting third base job.
In a recent interview with FOX 19, Candelario discussed his leadership role on the team. His words may remind Reds fans of a former third baseman who once anchored the hot corner at Great American Ball Park.
Jeimer Candelario’s latest comments will give fans flashbacks to former Reds All-Star Eugenio Suarez
Candelario is embracing a positive mindset as he looks to bounce back this season. “I’m always about good vibes,” he said. “Good vibes, talking the right way to people, respecting people… I’m that guy.”
For Reds fans, those words might sound familiar. Former All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suárez famously coined the phrase “Good vibes only!” during his time in Cincinnati.
Of course, fans will hope Candelario can do more than just talk the talk. Suárez wasn’t just beloved for his upbeat personality—he backed it up with production at the plate. Over seven seasons with the Reds, “Geno” crushed 189 home runs and drove in 524 runs, delivering countless clutch hits and towering blasts into the bleachers. If Candelario can channel some of that same energy and power, he’ll quickly win over the Cincinnati faithful.
Jeimer Candelario is the Cincinnati Reds player most in need of a bounce-back season in 2025. The infielder was the team’s biggest offseason acquisition a year ago, but he struggled to meet expectations, posting a .225/.279/.429 slash line with a 90 OPS+.
Despite playing through various challenges, Candelario’s 2024 season ended on the injured list with a broken toe. Now fully healthy, he enters spring training with a fresh start, and new manager Terry Francona appears ready to give the 31-year-old every opportunity to secure the starting third base job.
Candelario’s Mindset Evokes Memories of Eugenio Suárez
In a recent FOX 19 interview, Candelario spoke about his leadership role on the team. His words might sound familiar to Reds fans, as they echo the attitude of a beloved former third baseman.
“I’m always about good vibes,” Candelario said. “Good vibes, talking the right way to people, respecting people… I’m that guy.” The phrase immediately brings to mind former Reds All-Star Eugenio Suárez, who was known for his signature motto, “Good vibes only!”
Thank you 🇩🇴 ✈️✈️🍬🍬🍭 let’s bring the sweet ⏰🔐 pic.twitter.com/9ZBCgVRAEb
— Jeimer Candelario (@jeimer24C) February 14, 2025
Of course, Reds fans hope Candelario can replicate more than just Suárez’s catchphrase. Suárez was a fan favorite not only for his personality but also for his powerful bat. During his seven seasons in Cincinnati, “Geno” launched 189 home runs and drove in 524 runs, regularly delivering clutch hits and towering home runs.
Can Candelario Bring Power Back to the Hot Corner?
The Reds would love to see Candelario provide similar production in 2025. Cincinnati needs a reliable power hitter in the middle of the lineup, and Candelario has shown flashes of that ability. His career-high 22 home runs came in 2023, but playing half his games at Great American Ball Park, there’s reason to believe he could surpass the 30-homer mark if he stays healthy.
Reds fans will be eager to see if Candelario’s performance matches his contract this season. While replicating Suárez’s 2018 All-Star campaign would be a tall order, it’s certainly a goal worth striving for. If Candelario can deliver at the plate, he’ll quickly turn those “good vibes” into big results for the Reds.