Chicago Cubs: Greatest players of the decade – #30-21

Chicago Cubs: No. 27: Nicholas Castellanos

In order to make it this far up the list of the greatest Chicago Cubs of the past decade after playing just two months for the team, you’d have to make quite an impression. Yet Nicholas Castellanos did just that, and it ended up being one of the best midseason trades the Cubs ever made.

Castellanos instantly became a fan favorite after the Cubs traded for him from the Detroit Tigers just before the July 31 trade deadline passed. Check out these numbers: In 51 games, Castellanos batted .321, slugged .646, and hit 21 doubles and 16 home runs while driving in 36.

Overall on the season, he hit an astounding 58 doubles. There’s not much more that needs to be said; the numbers speak for themselves. It’s just too bad that Castellanos couldn’t lead the team to a playoff appearance.

Will the Cubs be able to bring back Castellanos for 2020? Many fans are hoping that will happen; personally, I’d love to see what he can do over a full season. Clearly, his game works well at Wrigley Field, and Castellanos seemed to love playing in Chicago. Let’s see if both sides can get it done.