Pittsburgh Pirates: Players Who Must Be on Their Radar at the MLB Winter Meetings

The Pirates must keep these players on their radar as we head into the Winter Meetings.

Dec 7, 2022; San Diego, CA, USA; A detailed view of a 2022 MLB Winter Meetings logo at Manchester
Dec 7, 2022; San Diego, CA, USA; A detailed view of a 2022 MLB Winter Meetings logo at Manchester | Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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Jeimer Candelario

After a rough 2022 season, Jeimer Candelario was signed by the Washington Nationals to a low-cost one-year deal with the hopes he could rebound to his 2020-2021 form. Candelario did rebound and was a quality hitter for the Nats. At the trade deadline, he was then dealt to the Chicago Cubs, but is now a free agent.

Through 576 plate appearances, Candelario batted .251/.336/.471. He hit for a career-high rate of power with 22 home runs and a .220 ISO, both of which are career bests. He also had a 9.2% walk rate and 22% strikeout rate. All told, Candelario owned a .346 wOBA and 117 wRC+. Candelario would be a more long-term solution at first base than either of Santana or Turner. Turner mostly played third base last season but split his time between the infield corners with the Cubs in the second half, and has experience in previous seasons.

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