Cubs Slugger Reportedly Could Land With Yankees After Career Year
The New York Yankees could use a new third baseman this offseason.
New York has some young, intriguing infielders, but third base is a position of need for the club. The Yankees tried to bring in 2015 American League Most Valuable Player Josh Donaldson to help solve the club's need at third base but the move was a disaster.
The Yankees likely will be in the mix for a new third baseman this offseason and one player who could be a fit is former Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, and Chicago Cubs infielder Jeimer Candelario, according to SNY's Anthony McCarron.
"Jeimer Candelario was one of the most in-demand hitters at the trade deadline and he timed a terrific rebound season perfectly with his looming free agency, a year after being non-tendered by the (Detroit Tigers)," McCarron said. Now he is one of the finest third basemen available. The switch-hitter had a slash line of .251/.336./471 between the Nationals and Cubs last year and hit 22 homers and 39 doubles. He and (Matt Chapman) tied for the lead in doubles among third basemen.
"Candelario, who turns 30 this month, isn't the defender that Chapman is. But he'll also likely be less expensive and won't cost draft-pick compensation, since he was traded at midseason and ineligible for a qualifying offer."
Candelario was linked to the Yankees as a possible trade target this past season but he ended up being dealt to the Cubs. The 29-year-old arguably had the best season of his career so far and is set to cash in this offseason in free agency. He certainly won't cost as much as someone like Matt Chapman and certainly could give the Yankees' offense a boost.
