The Chicago Cubs are showing some interest in a reunion with free-agent outfielder Nicholas Castellanos after he energized the team with his bat in the second half of the season.
MLB.com Insider Jon Paul Morosi reports that the Cubs are “still pursing” a potential contract with Castellanos as they hope to add impact bats to the lineup:
After being acquired by the Cubs at the Trade Deadline last season, Castellanos was an offensive force, hitting .321/.356/.646 with 16 homers and 36 RBIs in 51 games. It's not such a surprise, then, to hear that Chicago is “still pursuing” the free-agent outfielder, according to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi.
Castellanos — who is represented by agent Scott Boras — is one of the younger position players on the market (28), and he is expected to get a multi-year deal.
Although the Cubs could certainly use his offensive firepower, they also face budget questions. Chicago already boasted the second-highest payroll in baseball last season, and owner Tom Ricketts has not shown any indication of raising the payroll.
According to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, there was mutual interest between the Cubs and Castellanos' camp heading into the offseason. But they might be priced out of his market, and they are prioritizing positional fits. The Cubs are looking for new center fielders so that they can move Jason Heyward back to right field.
If the Cubs are still interested in Castellanos but want to keep Heyward in right field, does that mean they are exploring deals for left fielder Kyle Schwarber?
Regardless, Chicago's front office has plenty to figure out this winter. But they are still keeping an eye on Castellanos as they navigate the market.
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