Chicago Cubs: Looking ahead to a 2020 free-agent wish list

Chicago Cubs: Incredible consistency at the dish

Nicholas Castellanos, RF, Detroit Tigers

Currently, rumors are abounding about the possibility of the Cubs adding Detroit Tigers right fielder Nicholas Castellanos at the trade deadline. Chicago has been linked multiple times within the last year to Castellanos. While nothing is imminent on the market, Castellanos is set to become a free agent after this season and could be an excellent fit for Chicago.

The 2018 campaign was a career-year for Castellanos. He slashed .298/.354/.500 with 23 home runs and 89 RBI. To that, he added a career-best .363 wOBA and 130 wRC+. Castellanos also managed to stay healthy, missing only five regular-season games.

This season has been another solidly impressive year for Castellanos. Through his first 91 games, Castellanos is slashing .280/.340/.467 with ten home runs and 35 RBI. Once again he is playing above average, posting a .340 wOBA and 112 wRC+.

Detroit has Castellanos under contract on a one-year deal worth $9.95 million contracts. If the Tigers are not able to trade Castellanos before this year’s deadline, it sounds like he will become a free agent.

Last season, now current Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder A.J. Pollock landed a four-year/$55 million contract. The Philadelphia Phillies signed Andrew McCutchen to a three-year/$50 million deal. Castellanos is younger than both guys and has shown incredible consistency throughout his career, meaning he could get paid after this season.

Rumors are flying about potential moves from the Cubs at the deadline surrounding their outfield. Albert Almora and Kyle Schwarber are involved in their own trade rumors as possible trade chips. If the team can deal one of these guys, that will open the door for Castellanos, and that would be just fine.