Cubs: 3 big money free agents the team should be in on this winter

Cubs need to pounce if Nicholas Castellanos opts out of his deal

This one is probably driven by nostalgia as much as anything, but I hope Nicholas Castellanos rakes this year and then opts out of his deal with Cincinnati so we can look at a reunion on the North Side.

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Look, we all know what Castellanos did in his first go-round with the Cubs. The dude added much-needed energy and excitement into an offense that had gone flat. This year with Cincinnati, the slugging outfielder has been a monster at the dish, slashing .295/.328/.623 – helping the Reds jump out to an early advantage in the NL Central.

It’s too soon to issue a verdict on Joc Pederson, but the early returns haven’t been good – and it’s hard (at this very moment) to envision him coming back in 2022 with any role of significance. Adding Castellanos in left (or as a DH if that’s part of the next CBA) gives you a dynamic offensive presence capable of changing the game in one swing.

And, perhaps even more importantly, he’s a leader on the field and in the clubhouse – which will be  huge without Rizzo in the mix moving forward. Castellanos is more than capable of leading by example and bringing the energy back to Wrigley Field.

A lot can change between now and the offseason, but if the Cubs are truly going to revamp the whole roster and its makeup, let’s go all-in and act like the big market team they are by adding some true star power.