Chicago Cubs: Theo Epstein’s made few mistakes in Chicago

Cubs ink Castro to a seven-year extension

At the time, there weren’t too many who hated this deal. Starlin Castro was just 22 years old, an All-Star in two of his first three seasons. The baby-faced rookie electrified us in his debut when he made MLB history, driving in six runs. We saw some holes in his game, and most of knew he wasn’t going to be an MVP. But he along with Anthony Rizzo were the two players Epstein saw a chance to build around.

In 2014, Castro made his third All-Star appearance–with Anthony Rizzo making his first–and things looked promising for the Cubs. But by the following year, the world was changing quickly for Castro. A young rookie in Addison Russell made his debut. New manager Joe Maddon eventually made the switch, moving the superior glove in Russell to shortstop, and sliding Castro to second base.

The fan base of the Chicago Cubs used Castro as their daily fuel online. Many wanted him gone. Others believed he was a valuable part of the Cubs team. Before 2015 was over, Castro got to be a part of some success, as the Cubs won the Wild Card Game and then defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS. It may have been a bittersweet moment as Castro had to know his time in Chicago was running out.

In December of 2015, the Cubs traded Castro to the New York Yankees for Adam Warren and Brendan Ryan.