Chicago Cubs Rumors: Jeimer Candelario seems like a perfect fit

When the Detroit Tigers revealed that third baseman Jeimer Candelario would be among the players non-tendered last December, there was a clear connection for the Chicago Cubs as their former prospect would have been an ideal fit for the team given his ability to find the gaps in the outfield while also playing two positions of need in either third base or first base.

The Cubs were never rumored to have interest in Candelario and, instead, thought Trey Mancini and Eric Hosmer would be the answer. That hasn't worked.

Candelario hit 42 doubles during the 2021 season with the Tigers last season and after struggling last season, the veteran third baseman has returned to form this season with the Washington Nationals. Candelario is pacing to be a 4-fWAR player this season and the Cubs have the opportunity to right their off-season mistake.

First, credit where credit is due, Michael Cerami of Bleacher Nation was the first to make the connection of Candelario being a trade target for the Cubs this season.

It is looking more and more likely that the Cubs will be buyers at the Major League Baseball trade deadline. The Cubs are in desperate need of another impact bat in their lineup and they could afford to make such an acquisition at either first or third base. Enter Candelario as he figures to be available at the deadline given that the Washington Nationals are certainly going to be sellers.

It also shouldn't be overlooked that Candelario has been excellent as a third baseman for the Nationals this season. Baseball Savant has Candelario in the 98th percentile this season in regards to outs above average at the third base position this season. In other words, Candelario sits in the top two percent in terms of defensive third basemen this season.

For a Cubs team that is searching for a consistent offensive approach while valuing defense and run prevention, Candelario should be at the tip of their wish list this July.

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