The Cubs went out and made a trade today acquiring 3B Jeimer Candelario from the Nationals in exchange for DJ Herz and SS Kevin Made. The return was a little more than I would have liked, but the two prospects got the deal done that helps the MLB squad.
The Cubs originally signed Jeimer Candelario in 2010 as an international free agent. He was all of 16. In 2017, the Cubs traded him with Isaac Paredes to Detroit for Alex Avila and Justin Wilson. Candelario was at Iowa at the time but was blocked at 3B by some guy named Kris Bryant.
Since then, Candelario went on to play 689 games in the majors with Detroit and this year with the Nationals. He is hitting .258 with 16 HRs and 53 RBI. The switch-hitting third baseman locks down a position of weakness for the Cubs. And, his bat will help lengthen the lineup and his ability to hit from either side of the plate also helps.
However, to get someone, you have to give up someone.
DJ Herz was the Cubs 2021 MiLB Pitcher of the Year and is an outstanding young man. His last start at Tennessee saw him go 5 innings with 9 Ks. Kevin Made is a young SS who is at South Bend and has shown off an exciting arm and flair for the position. His bat has improved a lot this year as he has been driving the ball with authority,
Candelario is scheduled to be a free agent at the end of this season.
Both players going to Nats are Rule V eligible this winter and probably would not have been 40 man rostered. Good get and gamble by Hoyer. Now get a LH reliever like Bummer or even Hader.