Chicago Cubs: I’m not buying the latest Nicholas Castellanos rumors

Despite a report that surfaced this weekend, Nicholas Castellanos returning to the Cubs in 2020 seems like, at best, a far-fetched long shot.

If, somehow, Nicholas Castellanos returns to the Chicago Cubs next season, I’ll be the first person on MLB.com buying a jersey. No, really. For the first time since the team’s World Series run, a player showed up every day with a fire and passion that was contagious. Granted, the season didn’t end the way we’d all hoped – but Castellanos was everything we hoped he’d be and then some.

So, naturally, as I’m sitting on the couch last night binging every Star Wars movie ahead of Thursday’s release of Rise of Skywalker enjoying some beverages, I came across the report from ESPN 1000’s Mike Murphy. Said report indicated the Cubs had agreed in principle to a deal with the outfielder – but we’re simply in the process of sorting out the financials to make it happen.

I’m sorry, what?

During last week’s Winter Meetings, we heard about how Chicago couldn’t even negotiate with lower-tier free agents due to their financial constraints. Now, we’re talking about adding one of the youngest and most potent bats on the market? I’m sorry, that doesn’t add up. It doesn’t even come close to adding up, really.

Chicago Cubs: With time, the team’s chances may improve

Let’s circle back to that report from Murphy. So if a month ago, he was told the Cubs had talked with Castellanos and there was mutual interest in a reunion, fine. I have no doubt that’s probably the case. But there’s no way the outfielder is going to leave a massive deal on the table while waiting.

So many things would have to go just right for any type of reunion to play out. Chicago would have to unload a pretty significant amount of payroll, first and foremost. Again, the team needs multiple relievers and probably a starting pitcher. Not to mention some bench pieces and a second baseman.

If, though, by a stroke of luck, Castellanos does come back, things might be even more complicated. Where does he fit? He’d play right field, which is currently occupied by Heyward – a five-time Gold Glove winner. Heyward would, at least in theory, slide over to center where he’s an adequate defender, but hardly the guy he is in right.

Maybe first-year manager David Ross would be able to make that work, though. If a team like the Giants doesn’t swoop in with a big offer in the coming weeks and the Cubs manage to do something drastic like trading Bryant and clearing payroll, there just might be enough reason to be optimistic.

At this point, though, there’s no reason to expect he’ll remain on the open market. He’s one of the best offensive players available at this point and there are countless teams looking for an upgrade in the outfield. I can’t help but cling desperately to a long-shot hope that at some point later this offseason, my phone will blow up with the news of Nicholas Castellanos back on the North Side.