Cubs News: Things to watch for in the Detroit Tigers series

Chicago Cubs: Some familiar faces will be playing against their former organization.

Back in 2017, the Cubs were looking to strengthen their roster for another postseason run, and they acquired Alex Avila and Justin Wilson from the Tigers. What the Cubs gave in return included infielders Isaac Paredes and Jeimer Candelario.

Candelario (26) played in 16 games as a Cub in 2016 and 2017 before being traded, and Paredes (21) was 18 playing in South Bend when he was dealt. The Tigers are looking to have both guys play roles in their rebuild and both are now on the MLB club.

Candelario has had an up-and-down tenure so far with the Tigers. He had 19 homers and 54 RBI (2.5 fWAR) in 144 games in 2018 and struggled in 2019, hitting just .203/.306/.337 with eight home runs in 94 MLB games. So far, in 2020, he is hitting .279/.319/.477 with two home runs, five doubles, three triples and 10 RBI.

Paredes made his MLB debut along with Mize and so far is hitting .250 with a .768 OPS and six RBI. His first MLB home run was a grand slam that came on Friday in Cleveland. He went 3-for-4 in his last game. While Candelario has faced the Cubs before as a Tiger, this will be the first time for Paredes to face his former organization. The young shortstop looks to be covering that position for the Tigers for years to come.