Chicago Cubs News: Jeimer Candelario acquired in deal with Washington Nationals

The Chicago Cubs aren't just buyers at the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline, the team is aggressive buyers.

That was the question on Sunday once it became clear that the team was going to look to add at the deadline. Would Jed Hoyer make an aggressive buy in order to better the team's chances of making the post-season, or would he look for smaller additions?

Hoyer provided that answer on Monday when the Cubs acquired third baseman Jeimer Candelario from the Washington Nationals.

Once it became clear that the Cubs were not going to move center fielder Cody Bellinger, it was clear that Candelario was the best rental bat on the market.

In 419 plate appearances with the Nationals this season, Candelario is slashing .258/.342/.481 with 16 home runs and 121 wRC+.

For the Cubs, the team had a desperate need for power in the middle of their starting lineup and Candelario is a near-perfect answer.

Positionally, it will be interesting to see where Cubs' manager David Ross pencils Candelario in. Candelario has played an excellent third base this season with the Nationals as he has been worth 6 outs above average. Candelario does have experience at first base as well, though, he last played the position in 2020 with the Detroit Tigers.

The Cubs outrighted Edwin Rios from the 40-man roster on Sunday so the team already had an opening on their 40-man in order to add Candelario.

The interesting move will be the corresponding move on the 26-man roster when Candelario is presumably added on Tuesday. It would seem that the decision will be between Patrick Wisdom and Trey Mancini.

Given the lack of power hitters on the trade market, the Cubs may look to move Wisdom before the deadline on Tuesday as the look to solidify their bullpen.

More Chicago Cubs News