Diamondbacks Reportedly Interested in Jeimer Candelario

In the first reported connection between the Arizona Diamondbacks and a free agent, MLB Insider Jon Heyman has reported that the D-backs are in the market for a third baseman and are pursuing star third baseman Jeimer Candelario. The former long-time Detroit Tigers third baseman hits free agency at the age of 29. As has been previously reported by this site, the Diamondbacks are in dire need of a third baseman who can play full-time at that position.

Candelario is coming off a season that was split between two teams. He started the 2023 season off with the Washington Nationals where he hit .258/.342/.481/.823 with a 125 OPS+. He crushed 16 home runs and had 53 RBI to go with 30 doubles in his time in D.C.. At the trade deadline, the Nationals flipped him to the Chicago Cubs who moved all-in for the playoffs. He struggled in Chicago though with just a .234 batting average and .764 OPS. However, that was still good enough for a 103 OPS+. He had nine doubles, a triple, and six home runs to go with 17 RBI in 41 games. In total, he played in 140 games and had a 119 OPS+ with 65 extra base hits, 70 RBI, and eight stolen bases. He walked 53 times against just 127 strikeouts. Candelario's had at least a 117 wRC+ in three of the last four years indicating he's an above-average hitter.

Candelario has been a bit of a mixed bag the last two seasons. In 2022, he dealt with injuries and played just 124 games. His OPS+ was a below-average 81 indicating he was 19% worse than the average hitter. However, in 2020, he hist at a 137 OPS+ and in 2021, hit at a 121 OPS+. Perhaps, 2022 was the injured year that should be looked at as not indicative of his true ability. Candelario was worth 2.9 WAR last season and has accumulated 9.2 WAR since 2020.

Candelario strikes out at roughly a league average rate, but last year walked an above-average 9.2% of the time. The switch hitter would give the D-backs another bat that can hit right-handed, especially against left-handed pitching. Last year, Candelario had a .813 OPS against left-handed pitchers with 29 doubles, three triples, 16 home runs, and 50 RBI. He does the majority of his damage against left-handed pitchers. The D-backs are in sore need of that. He still hit .254 with a .792 OPS against right-handed pitching, so he isn't inept against that side either.

Heyman also reported that the D-backs are interested in other third base options including potentially Matt Chapman. Chapman is the best third base option on the market with excellent defense and strong power. He lives in the Phoenix area and would be an immediate star for the Diamondbacks. However, he will cost upwards of $150 MM unlike Candelario who will be much cheaper. Plus, Chapman will cost a draft pick after receiving a qualifying offer. Candelario will not cost a draft pick to sign him.

Regardless, it's clear that the Arizona Diamondbacks are trying their best to start next season with an established and everyday third baseman. Inside the Diamondbacks will keep you appraised of all things D-backs throughout the offseason.