Chicago Cubs: Pursue Nicholas Castellanos or Anthony Rendon?

Chicago Cubs: The case for Anthony Rendon

Rendon is considered to be the big prize in this year’s free agent market for good reason. At age 29, he’s having an MVP-caliber year, posting a 1.013 OPS and flying by previous career highs with 34 home runs and 124 RBIs. This will be his fifth year with at least 20 home runs, his fifth year with at least 38 doubles, and his third straight year with an OPS over .900.

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Despite the solid numbers Castellanos has put up, Rendon’s numbers have been even better. In addition to all the above, Rendon strikes out much less and walks much more. Rendon is also considered to be a better defensive player than Castellanos is. Of course, all this means that Rendon will likely cost more as well.

The big question for the Cubs would be what to do with Kris Bryant should they bring in Rendon, as Rendon also plays third base.

Assuming the Cubs hang on to both Kyle Schwarber in left field and Bryant, Bryant would have to move to right field full-time (also leaving Jason Heyward in center full-time).

Bryant is not an elite fielder at either position, though he’s probably better at third base, so the Cubs would have to determine whether they’d be a better overall defensive team under this scenario when/if they pursue Rendon.

I think I join many fans in wanting to see Nicholas Castellanos come back to the Cubs next season, but it depends on how much mutual interest there is and what the Cubs are willing to spend on one player this offseason.

If it doesn’t work out with Castellanos, the Cubs should at least look into Anthony Rendon as a way to give the everyday lineup a new look. In any case, it should be interesting to see how much interest the Cubs will have in either of these elite hitters.