Cubs Rumors: Team interested in Nicholas Castellanos, Shane Greene

Cubs Rumors: Hard to tell what these deals would cost Chicago

The Tigers aren’t going to win the American League Central anytime soon. That being said, the frotn office will focus exclusively on young, controllable pieces in any deal involving Greene and/or Castellanos this month.

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When it comes to the Cubs’ big league roster, names like Addison Russell, Albert Almora and Kyle Schwarber make sense as potential trade chips. Guys like Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez and Willson Contreras aren’t going anywhere. Yu Darvish and Jason Heyward are on massive contracts, so they’re staying put, too.

Looking at the Cubs’ minor league assets – an area where Epstein continues to restock after years of deadline deals focused on winning now – there’s more in the arsenal than one might think. Chicago, at least in my mind, have some untouchables – namely Nico Hoerner and Aramis Ademan.

Unlike most fans, I don’t see Miguel Amaya as an untouchable given Contreras has the catching position locked down and the team has some other up-and-comers in the system. Any deal involving both Castellanos and Greene almost certainly means the Cubs are giving up one of their blue-chip guys – as well as some young big league pieces, as well.

We’re nine days from the trade deadline and this certainly won’t be the last – or likely even the most exciting of the Cubs rumors that we’ll hear between now and then. Regardless of whether or not Greene comes to the club, though, Castellanos checks a lot of boxes – and might allow Epstein to address other needs with his minor league talent – like, say, a left-handed reliever?