Lukewarm Stove: Castellanos Fallout, Reds Next Move, Betts Details, Officials Expect Trades, More

Jan 28, 2020

Brace yourselves: the start of this Lukewarm Stove is all about Nick Castellanos. You can do it.

Yesterday, the Cincinnati Try-Hards forced good-local-ish-boy Nick Castellanos and his family out of his preferred city of Chicago and into the Reds’ outfield … by offering him one heck of a nice contract for Castellanos:

Castellanos will earn $16 million in 2020, $14 million in ’21, $16 million in ’22 and $16 million in ’23. The option for ’24 has a $2 million buyout. He also has opt-out clauses following the ’20 and ’21 seasons. #reds https://t.co/JSiLuHkeiJ
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) January 27, 2020

Not only is the grand total (4/$64M) a healthy score for Castellanos given his full career (not just the half-season with which we’re most familiar), it also comes with not one, but two opt-outs … after the first *and* second season and a mutual option for $20M in 2024. That means that Castellanos could become a free agent next year (at age 28) or the year after that (at age 29). And if he doesn’t opt-out, he might be a free agent at age 31 (after earning $64M), or at age 32 with the mutual option (after earning $84M). That gives him (1) enormous flexibility, (2) as much certainty as he could want, and (3) a great shot at another big score whenever this deal is finally over. That is legitimately one of the best contracts you’ll ever see for a player of his caliber. (Agent: Scott Boras.)

Do I think it would’ve taken a little less to keep him in Chicago? Sure. Maybe. I think that’s a fair assessment. But don’t let the relatively modest overall guarantee fool you: if you alter or eliminate any of those opt-outs/mutual options/buyouts/etc., the final tally would’ve been higher. Which is not to say he isn’t worth such a deal, but it’s more complicated than just a 4/$64M. Great get for Castellanos.

So what do the Reds do next? Are they finally gonna trade top-prospect Nick Senzel for Francisco Lindor as has been speculated? According to Ken Rosenthal, mercifully, no:

What will be the next move for the @Reds?@Ken_Rosenthal l #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/MQ7Az00CMq

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 28, 2020

In fact, according to Rosenthal, “the Indians’ talks involving Lindor appear dormant,” at the moment (not just with the Reds, with everyone), which is good to hear. But interestingly enough, the Reds, Indians, and Dodgers did apparently try to swing a three-team BLOCKBUSTER earlier this offseason, which would’ve sent the more financially affordable Corey Seager to the Reds, Lindor to the Dodgers, and prospects to the Indians. That would’ve been absolutely insane.

But among the bigger, current news in that post: Rosenthal notes that Senzel “might be ready for Opening Day,” after dealing with a variety of injuries over the past two seasons. And if his Opening Day really is in doubt (and Castellanos could opt-out after one season (and no one knows what they have in Shogo Akiyama (or Aristides Aquino for that matter))), well, trading from that impressive outfield depth might not be quite as obvious. And with a payroll already at a club-record $143.3M for 2020, the Reds could be done with the big additions for now.

And, hey, how about this (this one is gonna sting): To make room for Nick Castellanos, the Reds have designated outfield prospect Jose Siri for assignment … and I think the Cubs should give him a look. *ducks*

Would picking up the guy the *Reds dropped for Castellanos* be like pouring salt in the wound? Yeah. It would. But the reality is the Cubs need some additional upper-level outfield depth and Siri, 24, might fit the billy. Just before the 2018 season, Siri was considered a top-100 prospect to FanGraphs (No. 93 overall). Obviously, he’s really stalled out since then, but he’s still a plus-runner, a “potentially plus defensive player,” and a former top prospect who’s only just reached Triple-A. Might be worth a flyer if you can stomach the inevitable jokes about the Cubs swapping Castellanos for Siri. (“Hey, Siri, why did the Cubs do this?”)

Okay, that’s about enough of the Reds.

Circling back to that Rosenthal article for a second, for this throwaway line: “The Dodgers appear more focused on trying to land Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts [than Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor] ….” Indeed, the trade-chatter for Mookie Betts has ticked up considerably lately, with more specifics than ever – especially with respect to the Padres.

In fact, the latest at the San Diego Tribune has more details on these trade talks than you’ll pretty much ever see before a deal is actually getting finalized: “[T]he Padres are willing to send two young major leaguers and at least one prospect to Boston along with Myers in exchange for Betts …. Myers is owed $61 million over the next three seasons, and the Red Sox are offering to assume about half that. Sources said the Padres would prefer to eat only about a quarter of the money owed Myers in order to take on Betts’ salary.” But wait, there’s more: “The Padres, the sources said, are willing to include outfielder Manuel Margot or Josh Naylor and starting pitcher Cal Quantrill or Joey Lucchesi in the deal.”

Holy-DETAILS, Batman! Sure seems like the Padres and Red Sox have had very serious trade talks on Betts, so that’s probably a near high-alert situation. You wonder at what point the Dodgers might try to swoop back in to block the Padres.

I won’t dive into any potential Kris Bryant connection here, but suffice to say, both the Padres (for the outfield) and the Dodgers (for third base) have been connected to Bryant this offseason and might be the only two other teams – besides the Braves – that could offer the sort of very-near-future-talent the Cubs would covet in such a deal. So watch them both. Their continued willingness to be active *at this level* is extremely important.

And, indeed, Jeff Passan hears generally that things aren’t slowing down yet:

It may be late January, two weeks from pitchers and catchers reporting, but trade season is here. Officials expect there to be more.

Also on the Marte deal: my dude @gambo987, @ByRobertMurray and @JonHeyman, who also had the deal and money for Nicholas Castellanos earlier today.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 27, 2020

Speaking of the Braves, they’re *likely* out on Kris Bryant after signing outfielder Marcell Ozuna earlier this month, but that’s not stopping Buster Olney from addressing their “hole at third base.” According to Olney, the Braves are confident they can cover 3B internally, but if that changes either before or just after the season starts, he acknowledges that the potentially available impact-third baseman are plentiful: Bryant, Nolan Arenado, Kyle Seager, and Jose Ramirez. More specifically, he imagines the Cubs re-opening shop around the deadline, if they fade in the NL Central (and that includes, according to Olney, “Bryant, Willson Contreras, Anthony Rizzo, and others.”).

What a journey this guy has had, eh?

RHP Shelby Miller has been signed to a minor-league contract with an invitation to Major League camp. pic.twitter.com/smHSi0uMDJ

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) January 27, 2020

From uber-prospect, to successful big leaguer (Cardinals), to Jason Heyward trade center piece (Braves), to Dansby Swanson/Ender Inciarte trade center piece (Diamondbacks), to failed, twice-released pitcher (Diamondbacks, Rangers), right back to the NL Central with the Brewers. It would be cosmically coherent, of course, for him to dominate and terrorize the Cubs, just as we expected, but for the Brewers instead of the Cardinals. So … prepare for that, I guess.

written by

Michael Cerami

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Wake Up and Watch the Cubs Beat the Braves to Salvage the Series

The Chicago Cubs' bats finally came alive last night in Atlanta, albeit with a little bit of help from Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton. On the other side, Javier Assad was brilliant once again. Good win. Needed win. Enjoy the...

Brett Taylor

May 16, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 7, Braves 1 – May 15, 2024

The Cubs took the lead on the very first pitch of the game and didn't look back. They needed that. I needed that. Offense up and down the lineup. Two extra-base hits for Seiya Suzuki. Three times on base for...

Brett Taylor

May 15, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Curt Casali Has Opted Out of His Cubs Deal and is Already Starting Tonight for the Giants

There's fast, and then there's Curt Casali fast. Er, well, not his basepath speed, but the speed with which he went from catching at Triple-A Iowa for the Cubs to starting behind the plate tonight for the Giants in San...

Brett Taylor

May 15, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Mike Tauchman Ends the Cubs Scoreless Streak on the First Pitch of the Game!

The Cubs scored exactly zero runs in their last 18 innings in Atlanta. But Mike Tauchman did not let that streak continue long tonight. On the first pitch of the game, Tauchman lifted one over the left field wall for...

Michael Cerami

May 15, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup: Happ Sits Again, Still No Nico

CUBS LINEUP — The Cubs have dropped each of the first two games in this series, failing to score a single run. Let's see if the following Cubs lineup can have any more luck against Charlie Morton and the Braves...

Michael Cerami

May 15, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Roster Move: Thompson to the IL, Little Comes Back

Another day, another Injured List move for the Chicago Cubs. And it's another reliever. That's 15 total Cubs hitting the IL at some point already this year. It's May 15. This time, it's Keegan Thompson going on the IL with...

Brett Taylor

May 15, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Announce Their Upcoming Rotation, Answering Some Role Questions Along the Way

When Hayden Wesneski came into relieve Shota Imanaga against the Braves on Monday night, the Cubs all but confirmed that he had temporarily exited the rotation. Wesneski had made three really nice starts against the Red Sox, Brewers, and Padres,...

Michael Cerami

May 15, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Nine Years Ago Today, Gregory Polanco Simply Fell Down

You know the play. You know the moment. You know how much stupid, silly, hilarious fun it was. What you may not remember is that, but for a NEARLY IDENTICAL pop up to right a couple innings earlier that DIDN'T...

Brett Taylor

May 15, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | May 15, 2024: Promotions, Demotions, and Debuts

Before we discuss the highlights from Tuesday's action on the field, let's start today's Cubs Farm Report with some roster moves within the system. Right-hander Eduarniel Nunez was promoted to Triple-A Iowa. Nunez has allowed no earned runs in 15.2...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 15, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Hector Neris Has Literally Been the Luckiest Pitcher in Baseball So Far This Season

I don't think this should come as a surprise to anyone who's watched even one of Hector Neris' 15.0 IP this season, but he has been, by at last one measure, the luckiest pitcher in MLB this season. Why do...

Michael Cerami

May 15, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Wake Up and Watch the Cubs Beat the Braves to Salvage the Series

Brett Taylor

May 16, 2024

Picks

Best MLB Prop Bets Today, May 16, 2024

The New York Yankees versus the Minnesota Twins is a game to see on a Thursday MLB slate that has six exciting contests.If you're interested in MLB prop bets for today's games, we're here to assist you. Below you'll find...

Data Skrive

May 16, 2024

Picks

Best NBA Prop Bets Today – May 14, 2024

The NBA playoff lineup today, which includes the Minnesota Timberwolves squaring off against the Denver Nuggets as one of two games, is sure to please.There are usually plenty of NBA player prop bets available for each and every matchup. Keep...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

Picks

Best MLB Prop Bets Today, May 14, 2024

Today's MLB schedule includes top teams in play. Among those 16 contests is the New York Yankees playing the Minnesota Twins.Below you'll find MLB player prop bets for each and every game on today's slate -- MLB prop bets are...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

How to Watch

Nationals vs. White Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Trevor Williams will take the ball for the Washington Nationals (19-20) when they visit starter Chris Flexen and the Chicago White Sox (12-29) in a series opener on Tuesday, with first pitch at 4:40 PM ET.Keep reading to find out...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

Picks

Nationals vs. White Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Led by Eddie Rosario (two-game homer streak), the Washington Nationals (19-20) are favorites versus the Chicago White Sox (12-29) Tuesday at 4:40 PM ET. Sportsbooks have named the Nationals as -120 favorites for the game, which airs on MASN2.Trevor Williams...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

Picks

Nationals vs. White Sox Probable Starting Pitchers – May 14

The Chicago White Sox (12-29) kick off a three-game series on Tuesday against the Washington Nationals (19-20). The contest begins at 4:40 PM ET at Guaranteed Rate Field.The Nationals will look to Trevor Williams (4-0) versus the White Sox and...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

Picks

Top Player Prop Bets for Knicks vs. Pacers Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5 on May 14, 2024

You can wager on player prop bet odds for Jalen Brunson, Pascal Siakam and other players on the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers ahead of their matchup at 8:00 PM ET on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.How to Watch...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

Picks

Braves vs. Cubs Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Tuesday, May 14, 2024

The Atlanta Braves will take the field against the Chicago Cubs (24-18) on Tuesday. The game begins at 7:20 PM ET on BSSO, with the Braves listed as -198 favorites on the moneyline.Atlanta's Chris Sale gets the start, and he'll...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

Picks

Red Sox vs. Rays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Tuesday, May 14, 2024

The Boston Red Sox (21-20) and Tampa Bay Rays (21-21) meet Tuesday at Fenway Park, with first pitch at 7:10 PM ET on NESN. The Red Sox are -118 moneyline favorites for the contest, however, the Rays are favored against...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

Lukewarm Stove: Castellanos Fallout, Reds Next Move, Betts Details, Officials Expect Trades, More

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular