MLB Power Rankings: Top 25 players under 25

ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 17: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a fly ball to left field for an out in the fourth inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays played on May 17, 2018 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ARLINGTON, TX – MAY 09: Detroit Tigers third baseman Jeimer Candelario (46) throws to first base during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Texas Rangers on May 9, 2018 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, TX. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

24. Jeimer Candelario

The Detroit Tigers were supposed to be a no good, very bad baseball team in 2018, but that has not been the case past the quarter point of the season. One of the big reasons that the Tigers have not looked like a 100-loss team is the steady hitting of 24-year-old third baseman Jeimer Candelario. One of the big prospects acquired at the trade deadline last year had already been worth 1.5 WAR in 37 games before injuring his wrist.

The Cubs parted with Candelario last summer for catcher Alex Avila and reliever Justin Wilson. It’s not that Chicago did not value the third baseman more than to trade him for a rental catcher/first baseman and a middle reliever, but he was never going to be able to crack the Cubs lineup. Candelario was blocked by Kris Bryant, Ian Happ, Javy Baez, Kyle Schwarber and Ben Zobrist. There just weren’t enough at-bats to go around for all the talented prospects in the system.

Candelario was a polished hitter in the minor leagues with a good contact rate and disciplined approach. He is not flashy or overly athletic — just a solid all-around hitter. Candelario might trend towards being a detriment to his team in the field, but the Tigers can find at-bats for him at DH or slide him across the diamond to first base in the future.

Through his first 80 games in the big leagues, Candelario has hit a very respectable .270/.356/.449 with eight home runs and 32 RBI. He’s probably not a future All-Star, but will have a long, solid career for the Tigers.

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