Once the MLB lockout ends baseball could be on the verge of a free agent frenzy. With limited time before the season, some marquee-free agents may be forced to sign for a significant discount.
Bob Nightengale has emerged as the people's hero on Twitter this past week for his coverage of the MLB Lockout. While he has a checkered history of inaccurate rumors, Nightengale does have a reputation of being closely connected with people inside the Chicago White Sox organization. He was the first to report the news of Tony La Russa being hired.
It's no secret that the White Sox needs a right fielder. The position remains one of the few glaring holes on the roster. Rick Hahn has struggled to find an adequate right fielder for the past couple of seasons.
However, that could change in 2022. According to Bob Nightengale, the White Sox are in the running to land an All-Star.
Castellanos Could Land In White Sox Lap
In an appearance on NBC Sports Chicago's White Sox Talk Podcast with Chuck Garfien, Nightengale talked about who he thinks the White Sox may end up getting once the lockout ends. "[Nick]Castellanos is intriguing, big power bat. He's actually decent in the outfield, a lot better than people give him credit for. He was about to sign with the Miami Marlins. They had extensive negotiations, now with Derek Jeter out that looks like that's going to be off. He could fall in their lap." When Garfein followed up by asking if he could see Nick Castellanos with the White Sox, Nightengale responded by saying: "I could. Depending on what the price is. He may fall in someone's lap. He may be one of those guys that has a high price tag and says 'i'm not going to get that much money. That's the thing now if you have canceled games you're going to have less revenue for the teams to spend at least what they say. So that's why I think some of these guys aren't going to get close to the money they thought they were going to get. Maybe you have opt-outs after the first year or second year. But it's going to be some ugly contracts for the players."Short Term Deal Makes Sense For Both Sides
Castellanos is big game hunting this offseason. He opted out of his current contract with the Cincinnati Reds with $34 million and two years remaining on his deal. But many like Nightengale don't believe the money for free agents will be flowing once the lockout ends. This is good news for the White Sox. Nick Castellanos provides a ton of assets that could help get the White Sox over the hump in the American League. A short-term deal with the White Sox would make sense for both sides. Castellanos is coming off his best season to date. The 29-year old slashed .309/.362/.576 with a .939 OPS. He also had 34 home runs and 100 RBIs en route to his first All-Star appearance and Silver Slugger award. He has three seasons of 20 plus home runs and two with 100 plus RBIs. This is despite the fact he played in Detroit for the first seven years of his career. Comerica Park does not make life easy on hitters. A short-term deal with the White Sox would make sense from Castellono's perspective as well. Paired next to Jose Abreu, Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert, Yasmani Grandal, and Yoan Moncada, he would have the most lineup protection he has ever had. Hitting in a hitter-friendly park-like Guaranteed Rate Field would also put him in line for a career year. This would set him up for a huge contract once he hits the market again. An added bonus is that he would get to play for a contender in a city that he is familiar with. He tormented the White Sox as a member of the Detroit Tigers before being traded to the Chicago Cubs and nearly single-handedly sparking a playoff berth. He hit 16 home runs in 51 games on the Northside while hitting .321. A player of Castellanos caliber is a no-brainer for Rick Hahn if the price is right. Throw in the fact that he is a proven leader and has playoff experience and he would be the perfect fit wearing the black pinstripes.Comments
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