CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have sought to bolster their lineup and found a familiar solution. In a trade with the Washington Nationals on Monday, they brought back Jeimer Candelario, signifying a shift in the team’s approach as they strive to reinvigorate their playoff aspirations.
Jeimer Candelario, a sought-after hitter ahead of the approaching trade deadline, has been performing exceptionally well, boasting a .258 batting average with 16 home runs and 53 RBIs in 99 games. After being non-tendered by Detroit last November, he signed a one-year contract worth $5 million with Washington, where he experienced a resurgence in his performance.
Cubs manager David Ross expressed his admiration for Jeimer Candelario’s impressive performance this year, acknowledging the significant impact he can make by joining their team. Ross emphasized the importance of Candelario’s contribution, as he brings his remarkable numbers to help strengthen the Cubs’ lineup.
In addition to acquiring Jeimer Candelario, the Chicago Cubs also made another trade, bringing in right-hander José Cuas from Kansas City. In exchange for Cuas, they sent minor league outfielder Nelson Velázquez to the Royals.
Candelario, now 29 years old, originally signed with the Cubs back in 2010 and made his Major League debut with them in 2016. However, he was later traded to the Detroit Tigers along with fellow infielder Isaac Paredes in a deal that sent catcher Alex Avila and reliever Justin Wilson to the Cubs during the 2017 deadline.
This time, the Cubs acquired Candelario from the Washington Nationals, along with some cash, sending minor league left-hander DJ Herz and infielder Kevin Made to complete the trade.
Cubs outfielder Ian Happ expressed excitement about having Candelario back on the team, highlighting his crucial role in the middle of their lineup. The addition of both Candelario and Cuas is expected to enhance the Cubs’ roster and strengthen their chances moving forward.
The trade also involved two promising prospects from the Cubs’ side. DJ Herz, a 22-year-old pitcher, was an eighth-round pick in the 2019 amateur draft. He has shown potential with a 1-1 record and a 3.97 ERA in 14 starts for Double-A Tennessee this season. On the other hand, Kevin Made, a 20-year-old infielder, has displayed his skills by hitting .241 with three home runs and 25 RBIs in 70 games for High-A South Bend.
Meanwhile, the Washington Nationals, currently in last place with a 45-62 record, appear to be heading for their fourth consecutive losing season. They may also consider moving outfielder Lane Thomas and closer Kyle Finnegan ahead of the trade deadline to further reshape their roster.
Nationals manager Dave Martinez praised the departing Jeimer Candelario for his valuable contributions and wished him well as he joins the Cubs in their quest for a playoff berth and a championship. With Candelario’s departure, an opportunity arises for another player on the Nationals’ roster.
As for the Cubs, their fortunes turned around after a rough patch, and they revived their playoff hopes with an impressive eight-game winning streak. Currently at a .500 record (53-53), they are trailing the NL Central-leading Cincinnati Reds by five games and are also in contention for a wild card spot. The acquisition of Candelario and Cuas is expected to further bolster their chances in the postseason race.
Jeimer Candelario, originally from New York City but raised in the Dominican Republic from the age of 5, boasts a career batting average of .243 with 82 home runs and 301 RBIs across 705 games in the major leagues. As he returns to the Chicago Cubs, he is expected to contribute both as a third baseman and designated hitter.
Candelario’s most remarkable season came in 2021 while playing for the Detroit Tigers. During that year, he achieved a batting average of .271, along with 16 home runs, and a career-best 67 RBIs. Additionally, he shared the major league lead with 42 doubles, showcasing his prowess at the plate.
On the other hand, José Cuas, a 29-year-old right-hander, made 45 appearances for the Kansas City Royals this year, recording a 3-0 record with a 4.54 ERA. He made his big league debut with the Royals in the previous season.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old outfielder Nelson Velázquez, a fifth-round pick in the 2017 amateur draft, had the opportunity to play in 13 games for the Cubs this year, displaying a .241 batting average along with three home runs and six RBIs.
The Cubs’ recent trades and acquisitions are expected to add depth and talent to their roster as they continue to compete for a spot in the playoffs and aim for further success in the league.