Chicago Cubs: Breaking down the team’s top prospects entering the season

Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Albert Almora Jr. (5) celebrates with catcher Willson Contreras (40) after the Cubs defeated the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cubs won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Albert Almora Jr. (5) celebrates with catcher Willson Contreras (40) after the Cubs defeated the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cubs won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 3, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Jeimer Candelario (7) during a spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Jeimer Candelario (7) during a spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Candelario faces perhaps hardest road to Chicago

Jeimer Candelario was signed by the Cubs in 2010. At just 18 years old, Candelario appeared in 71 games for the Cubs Short-Season A affiliate. In those games, Candelario slashed .281/.345/.396 and hit 6 home runs to go along with his 47 RBI.

By 2016, Candelario had worked his way up to Double and Triple-A. In 132 games split between the two levels, Candelario hit 13 home runs with 77 RBI. He hit .283 with a .376 OBP and .464 slugging percentage.

To cap off his 2016 season, Candelario was called up to the majors. Candelario played in just five games and recorded 11 at-bats.

Candelario is a switch-hitter, but seems to be blocked at the major league level. He is primarily a third baseman, but can play first base if needed. Unfortunately for him, those are two positions that are locked up with the Cubs at the major league level.

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