3 big-time free agents the Cubs can sign after the MLB lockout ends

3 free agents the Cubs can still sign after the MLB lockout: #2 – Nick Castellanos

I don’t have to remind you: Nick Castellanos absolutely crushed in 2021. With the Reds, Castellanos slashed a career best .309/.362/.576 with 34 homers while reaching 100 RBI for the second time in his career. The veteran outfielder was blistering hot in the first half of the season especially, slashing .331/.384/.585 with a 150 wRC+ over the course of 84 games.

The 2021 campaign Castellanos put together only further solidified my belief that he alone should be the Cubs’ top offensive target this winter. He simply has the bat that can singlehandedly raise your team’s run per game mark. Though it will cost a pretty penny, Castellanos has already proven himself in blue pinstripes before.

In 177 lifetime plate appearances at Wrigley Field, Castellanos has slashed an earth-scorching .364/.401/.727. Many remember the second half of the 2019 season when Castellanos batted .321/.356/.646 in 51 games. His mark at Wrigley is no small sample size. He crushes in hitter-friendly ball parks and is the perfect fit on offense for the Chicago Cubs.