MLB Rumors: Dodgers-Verlander trade, Cubs target scratched, surprise Grissom suitor
By Josh Wilson
Possible Cubs addition Jeimer Candelario scratched from Monday lineup
Jeimer Candelario was scratched from Monday’s lineup. The Washington Nationals game against the Brewers is one to watch if Candelario is still on the roster because there’s a good chance he could be leaving the dugout midgame to gather his belongings and make his way to his new team.
Candelario’s exit from Washington is a near-lock, as there have been whispers about his departure over the weekend. The Cubs were already mentioned as a possible destination for him, which would be an awkward fit but good for Chicago to get his bat in the lineup.
One ideal solution would be for Candelario to try his hand at first base, where he has played in the bigs but not since 2019 and for fewer than 100 starts in total, to replace Trey Mancini, who has had a year-long slump at the plate.
Candelario already has 20 doubles this season (fifth-most in MLB), so whatever team gets him will get an instant infusion to their RISP opportunities.
The Cubs as a team have ranked 13th in doubles so far this year, but fifth in runs scored. Adding someone who can get in position like Candelario could make Chicago an even larger threat for the final stretch of the regular season into the playoffs.
Of course, though better known as a Detroit Tiger, Candelario started his big league career off with the Cubs, so it would be a reunion of sorts.
If not Chicago, Heyman reported the Los Angeles Angels and Miami Marlins as other possible fits.