5 recent non-tenders who are perfect fits for the Cubs

This week's non-tender deadline could, at least in theory, jump start an offseason that's been relatively quiet to this points. The Cubs non-tendered outfielder Rafael Ortega, left-handed pitching prospect Brailyn Marquez and right-hander Alexander Vizcaino, who came over in the Anthony Rizzo trade with the Yankees

Of those moves, the Marquez non-tender was easily the most surprising given he was once regarded as one of the organization's top pitching prospects. Now, though, there are new names on the free agent market - and these five guys could all fit in nicely on the North Side in 2023.

5 non-tenders who are perfect fits for the Cubs: #5 - Jeimer Candelario

The first name on this list is one Cubs fans may well be familiar with in Jeimer Candelario, a former Chicago prospect who was traded to the Tigers back in 2017 in the deal that brought back Justin Wilson and Alex Avila.

Candelario struggled at the dish this year with Detroit, batting just .217/.272/.361 for a well-below average 83 OPS+ on the season. The switch-hitting corner infielder, who turns 30 later this month, will still likely fetch interest on the open market though considering he's one year removed from a league-leading 42 doubles in 2021.

Chicago's corner infield situation is very much in flux. Patrick Wisdom, at least for the time being, figures to see time at both third and first and prospect Matt Mervis will get a look at first, as well. The Cubs are in on several free agent first basemen, but should they fall short in those pursuits, a reunion with Candelario could shore up both spots on the diamond at a relatively low cost.