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

The Chicago Cubs addressed their need for a middle of the order hitter on Monday by acquiring third baseman Jeimer Candelario from the Washington Nationals.
Jordan Campbell
Jordan Campbell

Cubbies Crib

Washington Nationals v New York Mets / Rich Schultz/GettyImages

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.

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Jordan Campbell

Jordan Campbell

For nearly 15 years, Jordan has been a workhorse across the FanSided network - including being the inaugural site expert for Cubbies Crib, as well as a stop at Da Windy City as the site expert. In addition to returning to be a Co-Site Expert at Cubbies Crib, Jordan was previously the Site Expert at Bear Goggles On. In the years since, Jordan has joined FanSided's full-time team, serving as a staff writer for the MLB division. Jordan's work can be seen across the MLB division, including a consistent presence on our Cubs, Twins, Astros, and Tigers sites. Since 2010, Jordan has dedicated his craft to providing insightful commentary on all things Chicago sports, and he has enjoyed his venture into all things Major League Baseball.