The Chicago Cubs are pushing for the playoffs. The team has made a significant addition to their roster. In that move, the Cubs have acquired third baseman Jemier Candelario and cash consideration in a trade with the Washington Nationals.
The #Cubs today acquired INF Jeimer Candelario and a cash consideration from the Washington Nationals for minor league LHP DJ Herz and minor league INF Kevin Made. pic.twitter.com/D6UovULOmo
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 31, 2023
Currently, Chicago sits 3 1/2 games behind a third NL Wild Card sport and four behind the division lead. At 53-52, they’ve had an up-and-down season characterized by missed opportunities. Despite this, they hold the best run differential in the division by a wide margin of +57. In contrast, the Washington Nationals are in last place in the NL East and were clear sellers from the outset. Candelario was their best trade target, and they’ve now flipped the impending free agent for prospects.
Cubs Trade For Jeimer Candelario
A Lineup Upgrade For the Cubs
This Cubs trade was made for competing for the playoffs this season. Washington signed Candelario to a one-year deal on an apparent prove-it agreement this offseason. Candelario proved it, and now he’s on the move as designed. Firstly, he’s been one of the best third basemen in baseball this season, leading the position with 3.1 bWAR. He’s hitting .258 with 16 home runs in 2023 and played serviceable defence sporting a .974 fielding percentage. Despite the cost, this is a clear upgrade over Patrick Wisdom, who is hitting under .200 this season and has more errors in less than half the innings at third base. Chicago’s two best players are both on expiring deals. Rather than bring in a haul of assets, the Cubs will keep their roster intact and push for the postseason.
The Nationals Continue Their Rebuild
The Nationals acquired two minor leaguers in exchange for Candelario and cash considerations. Left-handed pitcher DJ Herz is Chicago’s 16th-ranked prospect. He’s 1-1 this season with a 3.97 ERA in 14 starts and has struck out 80 batters in 59 innings. He throws a low-90s fastball, a newly-developed slider, and a changeup is his best offering. Though he’s been developed as a starter, he’s projected to move to the bullpen with a deceptive, cross-body delivery if he can throw more strikes. Shortstop Kevin Made is the Cubs’ 14th-ranked prospect, with gifted defensive skills and modest power. He’s struggled this season, hitting .240 in High-A. However, he’s still only 20 years old, and evaluators believe he has one of the higher upsides in Chicago’s system. The Nationals signed Candelario in hopes of trading him midseason and now have flipped him for two promising young players to develop their rebuilding club.
Impact on the NL Playoff Picture
The Cubs have solidified their intention to compete in the crowded NL field with the Candelario deal. They have a solid, if unspectacular, roster and intend to stand firm into October. However, this deal doesn’t place them in the top tier of the NL or even their division. The Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds look like more threatening teams in October, though players like Stroman and Bellinger even the field a bit. Overall, this deal improves the Cubs, but it’s unclear if it will take them over the edge.
Photo Credit: © Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jeimer Candelario, DJ Herz, Kevin Made, Patrick Wisdom
