Former Cubs Infielder Starlin Castro Stays In NL East

Did you know that Starlin Castro still isn't 30-years-old? The former Cubs infielder has had a unique career, but as of now he's mostly been an afterthought when you start to think about the good middle infielders of this era. He'll get close to 3,000 career hits (currently has 1,617) and he's made four All-Star teams, but Castro won't be confused as an elite player heading into his 11th MLB season.

Still, the right-handed hitter parlayed his career high 22-homer season with the Marlins in 2019 to a two-year contract with the Nationals.

So, Castro is the new second baseman for the Nationals and this kind of relates to the Cubs as well. First, this move doesn't prevent the Nationals from signing Josh Donaldson and on the trade front they could still go after Kris Bryant to replace Anthony Rendon at third base.

While the Cubs reportedly want center fielder Victor Robles in a deal for Bryant, Nationals prospect Carter Kieboom may now be more available in a trade after the Castro signing. Kieboom, 22, is Washington's top prospect and ranked the 20th best prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline. But again, IF the Cubs work out a deal with the Nationals for Bryant you'd think they wouldn't move off of asking for Robles as the headliner in return.

Anyway, good for Starlin getting back on a winning team after spending two seasons with the Marlins.