AL Playoff Team Focused on Cubs 3B

If the Chicago Cubs want to retain free-agent third baseman Jeimer Candelario it looks like the competition may be coming from an American League playoff team.

SportsNet in Canada reported on Wednesday that Candelario’s agents met with the Toronto Blue Jays during the general managers’ meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The Blue Jays may be doing due diligence as their third baseman, Matt Chapman, is also on the free-agent market and will likely command a much steeper price than Candelario will.

Earlier this week, Sports Illustrated ranked the Top 50 free agents on the market, and Candelario was among them. Part of the article predicted where each free agent would end up.

Well, guess where SI thinks Candelario will end up? Yep, Toronto:

Candelario was merely average for the Cubs after he was great for the Nationals before the trade deadline, but he’s nevertheless managed to compile 3.0 WAR in two of the last three seasons. His ability to switch-hit helps make up for his being more of a doubles hitter than a major home run threat, as does his potential to play first base if his already iffy fielding chops at the hot corner deteriorate.

Earlier this offseason, The Athletic predicted that Candelario could snag a two-year, $15 million deal.

His offensive season was one of his best overall. He finished 2023 hitting .251/.336/.471 (119 OPS+) with 39 doubles, 22 home runs and 70 RBIs.

He is cheap power. He’s hit between 13 and 22 home runs five times since the 2018 season. As long as he’s healthy and in the lineup, he can be counted upon. Plus, Candelario has experience playing at first base.