Detroit Tigers: 5 free agents not worth getting into a bidding war over

Jeimer Candelario

The Tigers opted to non-tender Jeimer Candelario after a lackluster season in 2022. Of course, we all know how this ends by now. The Tigers opt to do nothing to replace him at third base, Candy goes and has a nice season for the Nationals before getting traded to the Cubs at the trade deadline.

Candy signed a one-year prove-it deal with Washington last offseason, and for the most part, he proved it. He slashed .258/.342/.481 with 16 homers for the Nats before getting traded to the Cubs. He got off to a scorching start with Chicago before cooling off significantly.

From Aug. 15 through the end of the season, Candy hit just .155 with a 66 wRC+ in 112 plate appearances. Interestingly enough, he still had a .216 ISO.

I don't think Jeimer wants to come back here anyway. I think he served his time here, and is ready to move on to greener pastures. But even if he did, I'm staying clear of him.

The Tigers would be better off filling the position internally than bringing Jeimer back. Even if he'll take another prove-it deal, I'm not touching him. The league seemed to figure him out when he was in Chicago. I just don't trust him to make the adjustment.

There will probably be a team that gives Candelario a multi-year deal. The Tigers should stay clear.