Although my preference – in a vacuum, at least – is that the Cubs keep Welington Castillo to pair with newly-acquired catcher Miguel Montero, in true former-lawyer fashion, I’ve always been careful to leave open the possibility that the Cubs could also look to shop Castillo and pick up a different back-up catcher.
I think Montero and Castillo could go together very well – Castillo does so many things so well, and his receiving deficiencies could be partially masked in a platoon (or maybe even improved by working with Montero and quality assurance coach Henry Blanco) – and I question whether the Cubs can get a great deal in trade for Castillo, given that they, themselves, were obviously looking for an upgrade. But, yes, I leave open the possibility of dealing Castillo and picking up a back-up like David Ross.
Enter Jeff Passan:
Sources: Now that Miguel Montero is dealt, the next move for Chicago is to trade Welington Castillo. Had explored deals during Martin chase.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 9, 2014
The Cubs have been connected to Ross – a former Jon Lester catcher, and quality back-up in his own right – for a little while now, so a series of moves here (including potentially getting Lester) does make some sense. To the right team, Castillo could be a very attractive target, given the defensive skills, the offensive value and upside, and three cost-controlled years.
We’ll see if anything further comes of this. Dealing Castillo made a little more sense if the Cubs had landed Martin, since there’s no obvious platoon there.
UPDATE: And how about this timing –
Cubs have meeting planned with David Ross’s agent tonight. Ross still in mix for Boston as well
— Gordon Edes (@GordonEdes) December 9, 2014
The Cubs could want Ross anyway, I suppose, but carrying three catchers in the NL is rare.