Chicago Cubs: Free agents, Starlin Castro headline the early offseason

Free agents, Castro headline the early conversations this offseason

We’ve written so many pieces on the Chicago Cubs’ Starlin Castro this season. And from so many different angles. And with the offseason underway, we’re going to write a lot more until he either gets traded during the winter or is the Opening Day second baseman. Which will it be? Just depends on which side of the fence you reside I suppose.

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The debate that Castro has either “failed to get it” after this many years with the Cubs, or is something clicked after being benched is definite;y a “to be determined” situation. Taking a phrase from former Cubs’ skipper Rick Renteria, it’s a fluid situation. Castro had an abysmal first half of the season, but finished scorching hot in the final two months. Some believe it was just a hot streak and not what’s to be expected. You mean, sort of like Jake Arrieta? You see my point.

No, the two weren’t the “same”. Castro wasn’t setting the world on fire at the plate, although he was pretty damn good. The point is, many players careers are based on “hot streaks” throughout the year. Rarely does any player keep up a blistering pace for an entire season. Now we just have to wait and see what the fate of the once “face of the franchise” will be.

There are a few names on the free agent market that many consider the Cubs “likely” to land. Is that just talk, or will Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer make a splash again this offseason? We take a look at some of the likely candidates to land in Chicago.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘To trade Castro, or not to trade is the question‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs grade out: Castro struggles amid trade speculation’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Pitching tops Cubs offseason wishlist’ – MLB.com

‘A look at five likely free agent candidates’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Fowler gets qualifying offer from Cubs’ – ESPN

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