The Chicago Cubs grabbed one of the 2019 Trade Deadline’s best available players just before the 4 pm limit on Wednesday afternoon, making a move for Tigers outfielder Nicholas Castellanos.
The Cubs shipped Minor League pitching prospects Paul Richan and Alex Lange to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for the slugging outfielder. Surprisingly, the Cubs weren’t forced to give up any of their top ten prospects in exchange for one of the game’s better right-handed power bats. It is worth remembering, however, that Castellanos is set to become a free agent after this season, making him a rental bat for the Cubs.
Castellanos hasn’t had his best season in 2019, but he’s still been solid. The South Florida native has batted .273 this season with 11 home runs and 37 RBI. He certainly hasn’t been helped by the cavernous Comerica Park where he played his home games nor by his team’s lack of offensive punch.
The Cubs were also drawn to Castellanos by his ability to play multiple positions in the field. While he is primarily a corner outfield, he also has the ability to play the corner infield positions in a pinch.
The Cubs hope that Castellanos’ bat will help lead them to an NL Central title this season.
