Chicago Cubs: Fans know Steven Souza Jr. is no Nicholas Castellanos

Fans were buzzing at rumors the Chicago Cubs were about to sign a big free agent this week; until they realized it was just another fiscally focused move.

If you’ve been patiently waiting for the Cubs to finally pull the trigger on last year’s second-half standout Nicholas Castellanos, you’re probably feeling a bit short-changed. Instead of Castellanos, Chicago is nearing a one-year deal with oft-injured outfielder Steven Souza Jr.

The 30-year-old Washington native will join the Cubs pending a medical physical. That may not be so easy with Souza’s extensive injury history. But if he passes the physical, here comes another guy who can only play limited innings and whose bat is not the hottest thing either. Souza could, of course, pass the physical and take a dive the first game and be out for the season.

This guy is a seriously injured player who suffered a multi-ligamentous knee injury that kept him out of the entire 2019 season.   However, rumors are that the Cubs got Souza so cheap because of his injury so, barring another injury, there is no way they can lose.

Souza played under a $4.125 million, one-year deal with the Diamondbacks in 2019 – but because of that aforementioned spring knee injury, he did play in a single regular season game. Knowing that, it’s hard to envision him making anywhere near that amount this season.