Chicago Cubs Linked as Potential Landing Spot for Nationals Third Baseman

The Chicago Cubs have been seen as sellers at this season's MLB trade deadline for weeks now.

But Bleacher Nation asked "what if the Cubs were actually buyers?"

That prompted them to link Washington Nationals third baseman Jeimer Candelario as a potential fit. But the one caveat is that Chicago should make the move now and not wait until the Aug. 1 deadline.

"Indeed, Candelario (a switch-hitter who can play third and first base) made a ton of sense for the Cubs even when they WEREN’T missing two infielders," wrote Michael Cerami. "But now? Without Madrigal and Swanson in the short term? Yeah, he REALLY fits. Candelario’s presence could allow the Cubs to avoid multiple starts for Patrick Wisdom, Miles Mastrobuoni, and Jared Young at the corners, while keeping Christopher Morel at second."

It makes plenty of sense. Candelario is slashing .261/.337/.478 this season, an upgrade from anyone else at the position and his consistency is paramount. He also plays first base which helps solve an immediate issue if needed.

However, he is a free agent at the end of the season after singing a one-year, $5 million contract with Washington this winter. That alone gives me pause as he doesn't fit in with Chicago's timeline of contention.

Losing him in free agency after giving up a prospect package to acquire his services seems like a move the Cubs front office would avoid. Chicago already has long odds to make the postseason, so moving anything of value for a guy who *might* slightly move the needle for this season alone seems a bit counter intuitive.

I firmly believe that if the Cubs make a move to acquire someone at the deadline it will be for a player that has team control through the 2024 MLB season and can be around for a minimum of two postseason runs.

That makes a but more sense given the current performance of this team and the blueprint laid out for their contention window.

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