BREAKING: Former Tiger Who Left for $45 Million Suddenly Sent Packing by New Team

This former Tigers slugger, who signed a big contract just a couple of years ago, was unexpectedly designated for assignment on Monday.

The first half of the 2025 season has been memorable for the Detroit Tigers, who have emerged as one of baseball’s top teams. With a 49-30 record fueled by a strong pitching staff, Detroit looks like a serious playoff contender.

But not every player or team has thrived this year. One former Tigers infielder is facing a tough stretch in his career. On Monday, veteran infielder Jeimer Candelario was surprisingly DFA’d by the Cincinnati Reds shortly after being activated from the 10-day injured list.

Now, Candelario will go through waivers where any team can claim him, or the Reds might try to trade him within the next week.

Candelario is in the second year of a three-year, $45 million contract he signed with Cincinnati in December 2023. The former Tiger has missed several weeks due to a lumbar spine strain that landed him on the injured list at the end of April.

Before his injury, he struggled offensively, batting just .113 with two home runs and 10 RBIs over 22 games.

The Reds likely expected more from him this season after he posted a .225 average with 20 homers and 56 RBIs in 112 games last year.

Prior to joining Cincinnati, Candelario split the 2023 season between the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs.

The 31-year-old spent six seasons with Detroit after being acquired from the Cubs at the 2017 trade deadline. During his time in Detroit, he hit .243 with 65 home runs and 245 RBIs.

Following a disappointing stint with the Reds, it will be intriguing to see which team, if any, decides to take a chance on the former Tiger in the days ahead.