Jeimer Candelario’s Angels Opportunity: A Second Chance in Anaheim
Anaheim, CA – Veteran infielder Jeimer Candelario is aiming to revitalize his career with the Los Angeles Angels, arriving on a minor league deal with a chance to prove his worth. The 32-year-old has a history of both success and struggles, and finds himself in a competition for a roster spot as the Angels initiate the Kurt Suzuki era.
A Strong Spring Showing
Candelario has impressed early in Spring Training, hitting .333 (8 for 24) with an impressive 1.137 OPS in Cactus League games as of March 8, 2026. He’s showcased power with four doubles, a triple, and a home run, and added another home run in a game against Italy that didn’t count towards official statistics. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki has been particularly pleased with his performance, noting, “His left-handed swing has been outstanding. He controls the strike zone and his decision-making has been great. He’s been fun to watch.” [Orange County Register]
Versatility and Competition
The Angels are exploring Candelario’s potential versatility, having him take drills at second base, a position he has never played professionally. [MLB Trade Rumors] While primarily an infield corner player, the team is assessing his options as they navigate a somewhat open infield situation. Shortstop and first base are settled with Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel, respectively, but third and second base remain less defined.
Yoán Moncada is projected as the everyday third baseman, but his injury history is a concern, having only reached 132 games played in three of his ten large league seasons. [MLB Trade Rumors] Second base is also uncertain, with Christian Moore’s limited career .198 batting average and Vaughn Grissom and Oswald Peraza having yet to establish themselves in the majors. Both Grissom and Peraza are out of options.
Candelario is competing for a roster spot against other veteran non-roster invitees including Adam Frazier, Chris Taylor, and Nick Madrigal. Adding second base to his skillset would significantly enhance his value in this competition.
Financial Considerations
The Angels’ financial situation makes Candelario an appealing option. The Cincinnati Reds are still responsible for paying his salary in 2026, the final year of a three-year, $45 million contract. [ClutchPoints] If Candelario makes the Angels roster, the team would only be responsible for paying him the prorated league minimum.
Past Performance and Recent Struggles
Candelario established himself as an everyday player with the Detroit Tigers in 2020 and 2021, hitting a combined .278 with a .356 on-base percentage and an .814 OPS, and leading the league with 42 doubles in 2021. Yet, his performance declined sharply in 2022, leading to his release by the Tigers. He signed with the Reds, hitting .225 in 2023 and then struggled further in 2025, hitting .113 in 22 games before being released and signing a minor league deal with the New York Yankees. [ClutchPoints] Over his ten-year MLB career, Candelario has a .237 batting average with 110 home runs and 384 RBIs.
Lowe’s Recovery
In other Angels news, outfielder Josh Lowe is recovering from left oblique soreness and is expected to participate in game action as early as Friday, with enough time to be ready for Opening Day. [Orange County Register] Lowe is expected to share outfield playing time with Mike Trout, Jo Adell, and Jorge Soler, along with the designated hitter role.