In a perfect world, the Cubs and Nick Castellanos sit down and hammer out a deal to bring him back to the North Side in 2020. No problem. No questions asked. But alas, this is not a perfect world.
As most things, it's going to come down to money. Whether his market doesn't explode in free agency, the Cubs move some payroll of their own and/or make other deals that make re-signing Castellanos easier to see than their current situation. At the very least, the Cubs are keeping an open line of communication with Castellanos, as Jon Morosi reports the Cubs remain in pursuit of the outfielder.
In the same report, Morosi indicates the Giants emerging as suitors for Castellanos as well.
Via MLB.com.
The Cubs have ongoing interest in bringing back free agent Nicholas Castellanos, who posted a 1.002 OPS over 51 games for Chicago following a Trade Deadline move from the Tigers.
Scott Harris, then an assistant general manager with the Cubs, had a firsthand look at Castellanos’ powerful display in the second half. Last month, Harris was named general manager of the Giants.
In what is perhaps a related development, the Giants are among the teams showing interest in Castellanos, two sources said Tuesday. Castellanos’ market is likely to become clearer during next week’s Winter Meetings in San Diego, with the White Sox and Marlins among the possible suitors.
There's no question Castellanos became an instant fan favorite once he was traded to the Cubs in July and he quickly became the driving force on the team that was trying to make it to the postseason, but ultimately fell short. Castellanos thrived under the pressure of a playoff race with the Cubs and elevated his game on a big stage. He brings a different set of skills offensively, which the Cubs need, and we've already known that both sides are interested in a reunion.
However, the fit as of now isn't there.
The Cubs want to improve defensively and the first step is to keep Jason Heyward in right field, where he's far superior than in center. Kyle Schwarber is already the team's left fielder, at a much lessor cost and similar production as of late compared to Castellanos. Maybe the Cubs believe the DH is coming to the National League in the next CBA?
Or maybe the Cubs do end up finding a great trade for Schwarber and then they strike a deal with Castellanos?
Right now I'd say it's safe to say that several things have to happen in order for the Cubs to re-sign Castellanos. You'd have to imagine that they'll stay in contact throughout the offseason.
