In dire need of reinforcements at both corner infield spots, particularly first base, the Cubs are reportedly discussing a trade centered around Jeimer Candelario with the Washington Nationals.
Candelario made his big league debut with the Cubs back during the team's 2016 World Series run, appearing in 5 games that season and another 11 the following year before Chicago traded him to Detroit along with Isaac Paredes in exchange for Alex Avila and Justin Wilson in hopes of shoring up the roster for the second half.
Jeimer Candelario would answer a major question facing the Cubs
Since then, Candelario has established himself as a powerful offensive threat, leading the league with 42 doubles back in 2021 and turning in a big year this year with the Nationals. In 419 plate appearances, the 29-year-old infielder has 30 doubles, a 123 OPS+ and 16 homers and has long been viewed as one of the top position player bats on the market.
Adding him into the fold would go a long way toward adding a spark to this Cubs lineup and answering a first base problem that's plagued the team all season long. Fingers crossed on a reunion here because it makes too much sense for the front office to not get this done.