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.