Detroit Tigers: 3 players who may not return for the 2023 season

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 12: A general view of Comerica Park during the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 12, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. The Blue Jays defeated the Tigers 6-0. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

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Sep 29, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Jeimer Candelario (46) looks to throw the ball to first base after fielding a ground ball in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers corner infielder Jeimer Candelario has left a hole at third base.

While Jeimer Candelario was one of the prized pieces the Detroit Tigers acquired in their trade with the Chicago Cubs back in 2017, things have been a little rocky. The 28-year-old corner infielder has had a very up-and-down performance.

At times, he’s left the fans thinking he could be the future third baseman for this team. More recently, it’s looked like he has forgotten how to hit and is slowly regressing. In 2022, Candelario produced a .201/.262/.347 slash line with 14 doubles, two triples, and 12 home runs on the season.

As the 2022 season continues, he is still looking to get things back on track. The power numbers may be better for Candelario, but there’s still a lot of room to get back to the level of hitting he showed in 2021.

He has proven that the Tigers have a hole at third base. With Spencer Torkelson back in the big leagues and expected to be the team’s future at first base, Candelario needs to improve vastly. As the Tigers move forward, it’s hard to see him being a part of the future plans.

Whether it’s a new player from within, Ryan Kreidler shifting over to third full-time, or a free agent signing, the team will likely have to explore other options. This means the team may opt to get rid of Candelario to go in another direction.