Chicago Cubs Rumors: Jemier Candelario not in Washington Nationals starting lineup

The Chicago Cubs have a need for a middle-of-the-order bat to add to their starting lineup before the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline on August 1 and may have an eye on former prospect Jemier Candelario.

With the Cubs taking center fielder Cody Bellinger off the trade market and looking to buy, Candelario is believed to be the best bat rental on the trade market ahead of the deadline.

Washington Nationals president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo told reporters that as many as eight teams have expressed interest in Candelario and in a development on Monday, the third baseman is not in the Nationals' starting lineup for their game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

While the Cubs have a desperate need for an impact bat, the team is hindered by their current roster construction. The Cubs do not want to play Christopher Morel at third base and with anchors in place at all three outfield spots as well as the middle of the infield, Morel is forced to be the team's designated hitter because of the need to have his bat in the lineup.

Given that preference, the only spot where the Cubs could add a hitter would be at third or first base. That would be the reason why Candelario is such a great fit. The issue is the price as the Nationals likely are in a position to receive a Top-100 prospect for Candelario given the lack of positional players on the market.

While the Cubs are viewed as buyers ahead of the deadline, it would seem unlikely that the team will be overly aggressive in the moves that they make. While Candelario and his 121 wRC+ would be a near-perfect fit for the Cubs, the Cubs likely will not be inclined to move the prospect capital that it would take to acquire him.

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