Chicago Cubs: Three free agents the team should go after this winter

Chicago Cubs: Castellanos makes a ton of sense for this team

In my lifetime, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a midseason acquisition perform as well as Nicholas Castellanos did this summer. Without him, honestly, I don’t know if Chicago even breaks .500.

He brought a palpable energy and presence to the yard with him every day and the numbers speak for themselves. Post-trade, Castellanos turned in a 1.002 OPS with the Cubs, smacking 21 doubles and hitting 16 home runs in just 51 games. On the year, he narrowly missed becoming the first player with 60+ doubles since 1936.

But knowing all that, we also know one incredibly important fact: he’s going to get paid.

Castellanos represents one of the highest upside talents on the market this winter and given the show he put on in the middle of a playoff race for Chicago, it’s hard to find a team that won’t be intrigued by the possibility of adding him to their lineup for years to come.

The outfield is particularly intriguing for the Cubs. Heyward can play center or right, but is notably stronger defensively in right field. Adding Castellanos back means Heyward moves to center (assuming Schwarber returns, as well). That’s a clear upgrade over the likes of Albert Almora, but it’s still worth mulling over.

Really, what it all comes down to – whether we’re talking outfield, bullpen or up the middle, is the Chicago Cubs are poised to have a ton of moving parts this winter. Where they all wind up will be the story of the offseason at the offices of Gallagher Way.