Chicago Cubs: Five prospects who could help the Cubs in 2017

Jeimer Candelario, 1B/3B

Yes, Jeimer Candelario made this list despite being blocked at both third and first base. The reason Candelario made this list is partly due to his offensive production, and part due to his trade value.

Candelario was great in 2016. Between Double-A and Triple-A, he hit .283 with 13 home runs and 77 RBI in 132 games. That came at the same time as he was posting a .376 OBP and .464 slugging percentage.

This season will be Candelario’s seventh in the minors. He’s just 23 years old, but he is ready to make an impact at the major league level.

Chicago Cubs

He received a small taste of the big leagues in 2016 (14 plate appearances), and he must want more because he is off to a sizzling start in 2017.

Through 14 games at Triple-A, Candelario is hitting .306 with three home runs and 18 RBI. To top that, he has a .404 OBP and is slugging .714.

Despite a scorching start to the 2017 season, Candelario will not see much playing time at the big league level with the Cubs. With reigning NL MVP Kris Bryant at his most natural position and Gold Glove caliber first baseman Anthony Rizzo at his secondary position, there is not much meat on the bone for Candelario.

The Cubs will likely end up trading Candelario for pitching talent at some point in 2017.

If Candelario keeps up this hot start, it will make it easier for the Cubs’ front office to move him by the end of the season.

Instead of helping the Cubs on the field in 2017, Candelario could make the Cubs better by getting traded for a young and talented starting pitcher.