Chicago Cubs could see Nicholas Castellanos sign with the White Sox

Despite the wishes of many Chicago Cubs fans, outfielder Nicholas Castellanos might return to the Windy City in 2020 – playing for the crosstown White Sox.

It’s that time of year. When dreams are in the air and hope springs eternal. No, I’m not talking about the holidays (which are rapidly approaching) – it’s Hot Stove season, my favorite time of year. At least, it always has been – but this time around, the Chicago Cubs may test my patience as they reportedly look to focus more on development and internal change than external additions to the team.

Annually, MLB Trade Rumors releases their predictions for the top 50 free agents. Of course, given the tremendous impact Nicholas Castellanos had for the Cubs in the second half, I immediately skimmed the list looking for his name.

When I found it, I stopped mid-scroll, knowing all too well how people would react to this projection: Nicholas Castellanos – four years, $56 million – Chicago White Sox.

Woo, boy. Should Theo Epstein not bring back the guy who did everything in his power to singlehandedly keep the Cubs’ postseason hopes alive, the reaction would undoubtedly be… severe. To see him return to Chicago only to play for the team’s crosstown rival? Yikes.