At the 2023 trade deadline, Jeimer Candelario emerged as the Chicago Cubs’ marquee acquisition. The Cubs landed him from the Washington Nationals in exchange for left-hander DJ Herz and infield prospect Kevin Made. Although viewed as a rental, Candelario was in the midst of a career year at the time, fueling speculation that the two sides could reunite in free agency after the season.
A reunion with Chicago never materialized. Instead, Candelario signed with their division opponent Cincinnati, inking a three-year, $15 million deal. While that type of contract would have fit comfortably within the Cubs’ wheelhouse, it now appears they dodged a major bullet by allowing him to walk in free agency.
Latest Jeimer Candelario news shows that the Chicago Cubs were right to not re-unite
Aug 27, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Jeimer Candelario (9) hits an infield RBI single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
After his stint in Chicago, highlighted by a brilliant August followed by a September slump, Candelario entered free agency having still posted career-best numbers. That performance earned him a sizable contract, though reported interest from the Cubs was never strong. In hindsight, that decision looks justified, as Candelario was released by the Reds last summer and has now signed a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Angels.
According to Jon Heyman, Candelario’s deal with the Angels would pay him $780,000 if he reaches the major leagues, though he will still receive the $15 million owed to him by the Reds.
Overall, the Cubs’ decision to move on from Candelario looks increasingly prudent. While his brief stint in Chicago featured flashes of impact, the long-term commitment he received elsewhere hasn’t paid off. With Candelario now bouncing from the Reds to a minor-league deal with the Angels, Chicago appears to have avoided an expensive mistake. In hindsight, letting him walk was the right call.
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