Chicago Cubs: Can Starlin Castro be reborn on the North Side?

Chicago Cubs: Still young, Castro could bring value

Starlin Castro is 28 years old, has nearly 1,500 career hits and was once the best player on a rebuilding Cubs franchise. The fact that it seems like a lifetime ago is probably not lost on Castro any more than it is with fans.

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Since being traded to the Yankees after the 2015 season for Adam Warren and Brendan Ryan, Starlin had two somewhat productive years in the Bronx. Then, the Yankees flipped him to the Marlins in the Giancarlo Stanton deal. He spent last year languishing on a team that dumped just about every other recognizable piece of Major League talent. Now, Castro is, once again, caught in the throes of a full rebuild.

That being said, he is under contract with the Miami Marlins for 2019 for $11 million. His contract includes a club option in 2020 at $16 million. Should the club not exercise said option, it would result in a $1 million buyout. That would essentially make the cost for Starlin Castro $12 million for one year, or $27 million for two years, both somewhat palatable options that would enable the Cubs to hedge their bets in the short-term.

The one or two years of certainty would make it possible for Chicago to feel secure about second base (and a backup shortstop), but not be locked into a long-term deal. Adding Castro would essentially buy the Cubs a year with a guy who is a decent defensively, is a productive hitter and is familiar with many of the current players.

It would also allow Anthony Rizzo to do some more clapping, as Starlin’s warm up song, Ando En La Versace, seemed to help galvanize the Cubs in brotherhood, fun, and baseball in 2015. (Maybe they could even bring back Jason Motte for some top-step tomfoolery?)

Chicago Cubs: Still young, Castro could bring value

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