Jeimer Candelario Joins Reds After Rental Stint with Cubs

Candelario, who arguably had the best season of his career in 2023, was swinging a hot bat for the Washington Nationals before joining the Cubs at the trade deadline. In 99 games with the Nationals, he slashed .258/.342/.481 with 16 home runs, 30 doubles, and 53 RBIs. 

In his first two games with the Cubs, Candelario wowed the North Side faithful fans by smacking eight hits, including three doubles, in his first 10 plate appearances. The third baseman’s hot bat cooled down a bit by the end of his first month, but he still posted solid numbers with Chicago. In 41 games, he slashed 234/.319/.445 with six home runs, nine doubles, one triple, 17 RBIs, and 17 walks.

Candelario finished the 2023 campaign with an impressive .807 OPS and 22 home runs, 39 doubles, and 70 RBIs.

There was a chance that Jed Hoyer and the Cubs front office might re-sign Candelario because of his ability to switch-hit and play both corner infield spots. Given the North Siders' offseason needs, which include first and third base, Candelario wouldn't have been a bad option.

However, it appears he will now be a thorn in Cubs pitchers’ sides rather than providing them run support for the next three seasons.