I’ve been waiting to see if an American League team would come up in serious connection to Nick Castellanos, because his defensive limitations would seem to make him a much better fit in the AL than the NL.
Here it is:
The #Indians, an AL-best 17-5 this month, have played well enough that they're exploring short-term offensive upgrades. One name they've considered, according to a source: Nicholas Castellanos of the division rival #Tigers. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 30, 2019
It’s a pretty thin connection, mind you, and there is the ever-present extra hurdle of dealing in-division. Teams do it. It can happen. But it does add just a slight extra hurdle, especially when it comes to the trade talks themselves, as teams are not super keen on showing their hand. A free flow of ideas and information is not going to happen.
Castellanos remains a theoretical target for the Cubs, who would view him primarily as a huge upgrade in the lineup against lefties, a solid bat against righties, and a guy they’d have to figure out how best to hide in the outfield. Oh, and also, he’ll make about $4 million the rest of the way, and the Cubs can’t take that on. He won’t cost a top prospect, but if the Tigers are eating salary, he’d cost a good prospect package.