Cubs quietly add Willi Castro minutes before trade deadline buzzer

Willi Castro has felt like an ideal Chicago Cubs' target over the last several weeks, and that was one of the moves the Cubs made as the deadline approached on Thursday. After Eugenio Suárez was moved to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night, the Cubs pivoting in the direction of the Minnesota Twins and adding Castro made sense.

With Vidal Bruján recently designated for assignment, the Cubs needed a capable utility player who could serve as both infield and outfield depth. The Cubs were also in need of help against left-handed pitchers, and Castro certainly will address that need.

In exchange for Castro, the Cubs are sending Double-A pitchers Ryan Gallagher and Sam Armstrong to the Twins

Willi Castro trade leaves Cubs fans wondering what could’ve been

With 10 home runs and a 109 wRC+, Castro gives the Cubs an ideal bench off the bat, and possible insurance for Matt Shaw at third base in case regression comes his way.

Shaw's hot streak since the All-Star break likely changed the conversation for the Cubs when it came to the type of position player they were looking for ahead of the deadline. Shaw's heater likely put less pressure on the Cubs to go out and add a starting option. Instead, the Cubs opted to raise the floor for their bench.

Through 344 plate appearances with the Twins this season, Castro is slashing .245/.335/.407 with 10 home runs and a 109 wRC+.

With recent injury scares to Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ, it was a reminder that the Cubs were thin when it came to the Major League outfield depth. Of course, the Cubs have top prospects Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara with the Iowa Cubs, but the organization likely wants each of them playing every day.

After Bruján's departure earlier this week, the writing was on the wall that the Cubs were going to add someone who could help in the outfield. Castro certainly checks that box and is a free agent after the season.

More Cubs News from Cubbies Crib