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Nick Krall’s old Jeimer Candelario comments should put Ke’Bryan Hayes on notice

Cincinnati Reds president Nick Krall called Jeimer Candelario a sunk cost back in 2025. So what does that make Ke'Bryan Hayes?

By Drew Koch · Blog Red Machine

Published: Saturday, 10 October 2026 at 11:24 AM

Key Things to Know

Blog Red Machine argues Nick Krall's past sunk-cost philosophy on Jeimer Candelario should apply to Ke'Bryan Hayes.
Ke'Bryan Hayes struggled offensively in 2026, posting a .179 batting average and 42 wRC+ across 145 games.
The Cincinnati Reds would have to absorb roughly $29 million remaining on Hayes' contract to release him.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Blog Red Machine argues that past remarks from Cincinnati Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall regarding Jeimer Candelario could foreshadow a move to designate Ke'Bryan Hayes for assignment. When the Reds cut Candelario in 2025 despite owing him $22.5 million, Krall framed the decision as accepting a sunk cost for a player no longer helping the team win.

The writer points out that Hayes struggled significantly at the plate in 2026, batting .179 with seven home runs across 145 games. While acknowledging that Cincinnati may hesitate to absorb the remaining $29 million on Hayes' contract through 2029, the outlet suggests he will be on a short leash entering 2027.

Read the full article on Blog Red Machine

Nick Krall’s old Jeimer Candelario comments should put Ke’Bryan Hayes on notice

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