header-emailNEWSLETTER
BN Chicago Cubs Lukewarm Stove: Any Cubs Remaining....

Lukewarm Stove: Any Cubs Remaining Moves, Sweeney, Castillo, Mets, Phillies, More

Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
Apr 01, 2015
Chicago Cubs

old stove featureTeams are setting rosters around baseball, and you’re going to see a lot of movement in the coming days. Whether the Cubs are involved, remains to be seen. It’s possible Welington Castillo is dealt soon. It’s possible Ryan Sweeney is shopped. Mark Gonzales reports that Sweeney is “available in trade talks,” which shouldn’t be a huge surprise, given the emergence of Matt Szczur this Spring. The Cubs might prefer to give him a shot to stick on the roster, even after Chris Denorfia is ready to go.

  • Speaking of the Cubs potentially moving Sweeney, if it happens, don’t expect a terribly interesting return. I say that not because Sweeney isn’t still a potentially decent bench outfielder, but because the outfield market remains very crowded. As Ken Rosenthal writes, the Red Sox, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, and Padres all have extra outfielders they could/should move.
  • And speaking of Castillo, the present plan very much remains to accommodate him on the roster on Opening Day. Joe Maddon tells Carrie Muskat that he’s already spoken with Castillo about how things are going to work, with Castillo coming off of the bench and occasionally starting. Maddon, who has apparently wanted to keep Castillo for a while, added this:

  • Theo Epstein said that he doesn’t think that there’s a high likelihood that the Cubs “make a move outside of this camp” (ESPN, CSN). He added, however, that, “We’ll monitor small trade possibilities but we think we have a lot of answers here in camp.” The implication there is that the Cubs aren’t expecting to add anything significant in these closing days of the Spring (I wouldn’t expect that, either, when you look at the roster). It doesn’t rule out dealing anyone away, though.
  • Even after Zack Wheeler went down with Tommy John surgery, the Mets are still considering dealing Dillon Gee. Meanwhile, the Mets finally picked up their lefty reliever … two of them, actually: Jerry Blevins from the Nationals and Alex Torres from the Padres. If I didn’t have so many questions about the Mets’ offense, I’d see them as a legit contender. As it stands, I see a meh offense, a meh back of the rotation, and an adequate bullpen. I must be wrong, though, because the Mets are projected by most to be a winning team this year.
  • Meanwhile, the Mets have reportedly agreed to a four-year, $23 million extension with center fielder Juan Lagares (plus an option at $9.5 million to buy out his first free agent year). Lagares’ value is entirely predicated on his defense – otherworldly, according to defensive metrics – so it’s an interesting valuation.
  • This is interesting:

  • The Blue Jays optioned Josh Thole to AAA, which means they relented, for now, in their efforts to find value for catcher Dioner Navarro. That may not bode well for the Cubs with respect to Castillo – though Navarro’s salary is more than double Castillo’s, and that can be hard to fit into the budget this time of year.
  • Shortly after waiving Rule 5 pick lefty reliever Andrew McKirahan (picked from the Cubs), the Marlins may have lost reliever Aaron Crow for the year with a torn UCL. McKirahan, meanwhile, was claimed by the Braves, who will very likely try and stash him.
  • Don’t forget to check out the Opening Day contest – you support BN, you can win a share of $100,000, a signed Anthony Rizzo bat, and a BN shirt.

    • Read More

    written by

    Brett Taylor

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

    more cubs news

    Chicago Cubs

    Pete Crow-Armstrong Put on a Show, and Continues to Make a Strong Case for Continued Playing Time

    Pete Crow-Armstrong put on a show last night, which I mean in the most literal sense. It was more like a performance than a baseball game. Bases-loaded HBP while showing bunt? OK, sure. Running easily to first on a dropped...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 16, 2024
    Chicago Bears

    Northwestern Returns to Wrigley Field TWICE This Fall

    Northwestern will be making a return to Wrigley Field not just once this season, but twice! Due to the construction of their brand new football stadium, the Cats will be playing five of their seven home games at its temporary...

    Matt Rooney Matt Rooney
    May 16, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Impressive Fill-In Guys, Bullpen Health, Roberts, Javy, and Other Cubs Bullets

    The Cubs come back home from the Pittsburgh-Atlanta road trip having split it 3-3, and I gotta say, that's a pretty solid outcome when (1) you're facing Jones and Skenes, (2) you're playing three in Atlanta where they'd lost just...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 16, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Brennen Davis Homered Again, Back-to-Back with B.J. Murray Jr. (Whom We Should Discuss)

    Just about as soon as I could talk about how Brennen Davis had homered for the third time in four games, he homered AGAIN, making it four times in five games. And this time, just for fun, B.J. Murray Jr....

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 16, 2024
    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 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 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 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 Michael Cerami
    May 15, 2024
    Cubs Lineup
    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 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 Brett Taylor
    May 15, 2024
    More Posts

    Latest News

    Picks

    Astros vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, May 16, 2024

    The Houston Astros (18-25) host the Oakland Athletics (19-26) at 8:10 PM ET Thursday for a sluggers' duel between two of the best home-run hitters in baseball. Kyle Tucker has racked up 13 homers this season (No. 1 in the...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 16, 2024
    Picks

    Cubs vs. Pirates Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, May 16, 2024

    The Chicago Cubs (25-19) are set to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates (19-25) Thursday at 7:40 PM ET, airing on MARQ. The Cubs are listed as -132 favorites by sportsbooks, while the underdog Pirates have +113 odds for the contest.Justin...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 16, 2024
    News

    Party’s Over? Michael Block Having Rough Go Of It In Round 1 Of The PGA Championship

    It appears we won't be getting a repeat performance from last year's PGA Championship darling Michael Block. The club pro from Mission Viejo, California had an epic underdog run during last year's event at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester....

    Matt Rooney Matt Rooney
    May 16, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Pete Crow-Armstrong Put on a Show, and Continues to Make a Strong Case for Continued Playing Time

    Pete Crow-Armstrong put on a show last night, which I mean in the most literal sense. It was more like a performance than a baseball game. Bases-loaded HBP while showing bunt? OK, sure. Running easily to first on a dropped...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 16, 2024
    Picks

    Phillies vs. Mets Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, May 16, 2024

    Entering Thursday's matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies (31-13), the New York Mets (19-23) are on a three-game losing streak. The contest starts at 6:40 PM ET on MLB Network with the Phillies listed as -143 favorites, while the are +122...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 16, 2024
    Picks

    Red Sox vs. Rays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, May 16, 2024

    The Boston Red Sox (22-21) and Tampa Bay Rays (22-22) meet Thursday at Fenway Park, with first pitch at 7:10 PM ET on BSSUN. The Red Sox are -110 moneyline favorites for the contest, however, the Rays are favored against...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 16, 2024
    Picks

    Cubs vs. Pirates Probable Starting Pitchers – May 16

    The Chicago Cubs (25-19) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (19-25) square off at Wrigley Field on Thursday at 7:40 PM ET, beginning a four-game series.The probable starters are Justin Steele for the Cubs and Jared Jones (2-4) for the Pirates.Cubs vs....

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 16, 2024
    Picks

    Astros vs. Athletics Probable Starting Pitchers – May 16

    The Oakland Athletics (19-26), who lost their previous four games, face the Houston Astros (18-25) at Minute Maid Park on Thursday. First pitch is at 8:10 PM ET.The Astros will give the nod to Cristian Javier (2-1, 4.01 ERA), who...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 16, 2024
    Lions 2024 schedule
    NFL

    Detroit Lions Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    The Lions are ready for a new season after blowing a 17-point lead in the second half of the NFC Championship game to the 49ers. After a solid draft, they look to reach the Super Bowl in 2024. Check out...

    Sam Russell Sam Russell
    May 16, 2024
    Picks

    Phillies vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – May 16

    The Philadelphia Phillies (31-13) have an opportunity to add to their three-game winning streak as they host the New York Mets (19-23) at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday at 6:40 PM ET.The probable pitchers are Taijuan Walker (3-0) for the...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 16, 2024
    More Posts

    more cubs news

    Pete Crow-Armstrong Put on a Show, and Continues to Make a Strong Case for Continued Playing Time

    Northwestern Returns to Wrigley Field TWICE This Fall

    Impressive Fill-In Guys, Bullpen Health, Roberts, Javy, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Brennen Davis Homered Again, Back-to-Back with B.J. Murray Jr. (Whom We Should Discuss)

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

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

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

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

    Cubs Lineup

    Chicago Cubs Lineup: Happ Sits Again, Still No Nico

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

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    Angels Manager Ron Washington Threw Luis Guillorme Under the Bus, Then Drove the Bus, Then Backed Over Him Again

    NHL Mock Draft Roundup: More Blackhawks Pick Projections

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

    FanGraphs Just Dropped a Top-47 Cubs Prospects List

    Brennen Davis Rejoined Cubs’ Top-30 and Celebrated with Another Dinger (UPDATE: Just Did It AGAIN!)

    Salvage the Finale, Nico’s Hammy, Mastrobuoni and Vazquez, Hilarious Harry Story, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Jorge Soler with the Worst Possible Luck in His First BP Session Trying to Return from the IL

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

    Latest News

    Astros vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, May 16, 2024

    Cubs vs. Pirates Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, May 16, 2024

    Party’s Over? Michael Block Having Rough Go Of It In Round 1 Of The PGA Championship

    Pete Crow-Armstrong Put on a Show, and Continues to Make a Strong Case for Continued Playing Time

    Phillies vs. Mets Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, May 16, 2024

    Red Sox vs. Rays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, May 16, 2024

    Cubs vs. Pirates Probable Starting Pitchers – May 16

    Astros vs. Athletics Probable Starting Pitchers – May 16

    Lions 2024 schedule

    Detroit Lions Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    Phillies vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – May 16

    Red Sox vs. Rays Probable Starting Pitchers – May 16

    Packers schedule 2024

    Green Bay Packers Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    Steelers 2024 schedule

    Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    Eagles 2024 schedule

    Philadelphia Eagles Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    Panthers vs. Bruins NHL Playoffs Second Round Game 6 Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Friday, May 17, 2024

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    Angels Manager Ron Washington Threw Luis Guillorme Under the Bus, Then Drove the Bus, Then Backed Over Him Again

    NHL Mock Draft Roundup: More Blackhawks Pick Projections

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

    FanGraphs Just Dropped a Top-47 Cubs Prospects List

    Brennen Davis Rejoined Cubs’ Top-30 and Celebrated with Another Dinger (UPDATE: Just Did It AGAIN!)

    Salvage the Finale, Nico’s Hammy, Mastrobuoni and Vazquez, Hilarious Harry Story, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Jorge Soler with the Worst Possible Luck in His First BP Session Trying to Return from the IL

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

    21 Play Responsibly
    Gamble Aware West Virginia
    Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.