Since the Chicago Cubs acquired Jeimer Candelario on August 1st, they’ve had one of the league’s top offenses, and it’s been badly needed. Chicago was only one game above .500 at the MLB trade deadline. Candelario’s addition to the offense has caused both team and player to thrive, and the Cubs have gained three games in the National League Wild Card standings. They now only sit a half-game back from a playoff spot after going 10-6 in August, with Candelario playing a marquee role in their surge.
This man be MOVIN’! 💨 pic.twitter.com/5IBl1VqMno
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 19, 2023
Candelario & The Cubs Offense Clicking
Candelario began the season with the Washington Nationals after signing a one-year, 5 million dollar contract. He was traded to Chicago at the trade deadline in exchange for two minor leaguers. Since debuting for the Cubs on August 1st, Candelario has slashed .385/.467/.577, amassing 20 hits in just 52 at-bats. In that time, the Cubs’ offense has surged, ranking 5th in the league in WRC+ at 121, according to Fangraphs (100 is the league average). As a result, the Cubs’ playoff hopes have only increased in the weeks since the trade deadline. They’ve gone 5-5 in their last ten games but have won 3 of their previous five series. They also split a two-game set with their crosstown rivals earlier this week.
An Increased Burden
The Cubs’ playoff push coincided with some less exciting developments around the team’s pitching staff. Chicago’s arms rank 24th in the league in ERA since the deadline, grappling to a 5.18 mark. The team’s rotation carries the bulk of the blame, as they’ve given up nearly six runs per nine innings (5.95). Though Justin Steele has pitched like a top-of-the-rotation starter this season (14-3, 2.80 ERA), players like Kyle Hendricks and Jameson Taillon must carry the load. With the news of Marcus Stroman‘s rib cartilage fracture this week, the Cubs’ rotation will be short-handed soon. With the strength of a fully loaded pitching staff, the offense will be able to continue to score runs in bunches.
Chicago’s Outlook
If the Cubs’ playoff push is to be successful, Jeimer Candelario has proven to be a key component in the team’s success. Chicago is entering a soft period in their schedule. Their next eight games are against teams trailing their divisions by double-digit games (Kansas City, Detroit, and Pittsburgh). With a struggling pitching staff, Candelario and the rest of the Cubs hitters will be shouldering a significant burden. However, if the last two-plus weeks are any indication, they will be up to the task.
Main Photo Credits: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
