The Chicago Cubs have reacquired third baseman Jeimer Candelario from the Washington Nationals, six years after trading him to the Detroit Tigers. In exchange, the Cubs are sending prospects Kevin Made and DJ Herz back to the Nationals. Candelario, 29, has had a solid season with the Nationals, hitting 16 home runs and boasting an .823 OPS. He could fill the roles of third baseman and designated hitter for the Cubs, who have struggled in those positions this year. The Cubs have also made other moves to add talent, including acquiring pitcher Jose Cuas from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for outfielder Nelson Velazquez. Jesse Rogers reported

Chicago Cubs Reacquire Jeimer Candelario from Washington Nationals

CHICAGO — The Cubs made a significant move on Monday, reacquiring third baseman Jeimer Candelario from the Washington Nationals. This trade comes almost six years after the Cubs traded him to the Detroit Tigers.

In exchange for Candelario, the Cubs are sending prospects Kevin Made and DJ Herz back to the Nationals.

The Return of a Versatile Player

Candelario, 29, has been performing exceptionally well for the Nationals this season, with 16 home runs and an .823 OPS. His home run count is just three shy of his career-high, achieved in 2018. So far this year, he has maintained a batting average of .258 and an on-base percentage of .342. He has played 96 games at third base and two as the designated hitter for the Nationals.

The Cubs, who have been relying on a mix of players at third and designated hitter positions, see Candelario as a versatile addition. Patrick Wisdom had a strong start but has since cooled off, with a batting average of just .195. Nick Madrigal, a converted second baseman, has shown promise in his limited appearances at third base this season.

Strength in the Lineup

The Cubs’ designated hitters have struggled this season, with a collective batting average of .229 and an OPS of .698. Candelario’s arrival is expected to bolster the lineup and provide much-needed offensive production.

Top Prospects Headed to the Nationals

The Nationals will receive two promising prospects from the Cubs: Single-A shortstop Kevin Made and Double-A pitcher DJ Herz. Both players rank in the top 20 of the Cubs’ prospect list, highlighting their potential for future success.

A Shift in Strategy

The acquisition of Candelario reflects a change in the Cubs’ approach. After a successful eight-game winning streak, the team has shifted from selling pending free agents to actively adding talent. Candelario is just one of the players they hope will contribute to their continued success. The Cubs are also actively searching for bullpen arms ahead of the upcoming trading deadline.

A Homecoming for Candelario

Jeimer Candelario returns to the Cubs organization, where he began his professional career. He was signed by Chicago as a non-drafted free agent in October 2010 and made his major league debut with the Cubs in 2016. In 2017, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers as part of a deal for catcher Alex Avila and pitcher Justin Wilson.

Additional Trade with the Kansas City Royals

In a separate trade, the Cubs acquired right-handed pitcher Jose Cuas from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for outfielder Nelson Velazquez. Cuas, 29, had a mixed performance for the Royals this season, with a record of 1-3, four holds, and two blown saves in 45 appearances. Velazquez, 24, was optioned to Triple-A Omaha after hitting .241 with three home runs and six RBIs for the Cubs.

The Cubs are looking to strengthen their pitching staff as they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot.

With these trades, the Cubs have made significant moves to bolster both their offense and pitching. Fans are eagerly anticipating the impact of these additions as the team aims to secure a postseason berth.

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