In an effort to address glaring infield depth issues during a troubling stretch, the New York Yankees have signed veteran infielder Jeimer Candelario to a minor league contract, assigning him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the team’s affiliate confirmed on Saturday.

Candelario, 31, was released by the Cincinnati Reds on June 23, just months into a three-year, $45 million contract he signed ahead of the 2024 season. The move followed a sharp decline in performance, batting just .113 with two home runs, 10 RBIs, and a .410 OPS in 22 MLB games this year. A lumbar spine strain in April landed him on the injured list, further derailing his season. During his rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville, he slashed .211/.318/.333 with a .651 OPS across 15 games, going hitless in his final two outings.

Candelario may be going through a slump, but his experience and ability to handle multiple infield spots still make him a useful asset. Over his career, he’s played nearly 700 games at third base, while also logging innings at first base and designated hitter. His 2023 season, split between the Nationals and Cubs, saw him hit .251 with 22 home runs and 70 RBIs, showing the kind of offensive upside the Yankees hope he can regain.

Candelario is not the only recent addition. The Yankees also signed Nicky Lopez to a minor-league deal earlier last week, signaling a broader push to reinforce the infield amid roster uncertainty. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. currently covering third base, a position he has publicly stated is not his natural fit, the Yankees are clearly seeking alternatives to shift him back to second base. DJ LeMahieu, who recently returned from the IL, is also in the mix, though the infield remains unsettled.

The Yankees’ search for infield stability comes during a significant downturn. After going 13-14 in June, they opened July with four consecutive losses, highlighting the urgency for reinforcements. Compounding their problems, starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt is now expected to undergo season-ending surgery, expanding the list of roster concerns.

Jeimer Candelario’s deal is a low-risk, potentially high-reward move. If he can rediscover his swing in Scranton, he could be a valuable addition during the second half of the season. For now, he’ll serve as experienced infield depth behind a Yankees team that’s looking for answers during a difficult period.

More New York Yankees News
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a two run home run during the fifth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field.
Aaron Judge gets 100% real about Yankees’ focus after ending skidChristopher Hennessy ·
New York Yankees right fielder Cody Bellinger (35) doubles during the fourth inning against the Athletics at Yankee Stadium.
Yankees’ Cody Bellinger double play is ‘play of the year’, per Aaron BooneChristopher Hennessy ·
Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (13) fields a ground ball for an out against St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Thomas Saggese (not pictured) during the sixth inning at PNC Park.
MLB rumors: Yankees, Tigers, Cubs among trade suitors for $70 million Pirates starZachary Weinberger ·
New York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm (13) in the dugout before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.
Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. downplays losing streak with Marlins truth bombColin Loughran ·
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) signals for a pitching change in the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Yankee Stadium.
Yankees’ Aaron Boone reacts to Anthony Volpe hitting Aaron Judge in headColin Loughran ·
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) waits on deck during the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field.
Yankees’ Aaron Judge gets brutally honest on pathetic 6-game losing streakBenjamin Adducchio ·