Every day that passes without Cubs activity feels like it could be *the* day that Nick Castellanos finally moves on.
We know that there’s mutual interest in a reunion, but we also know that the Cubs are not in a position to sign Castellanos until they move out other salary. I feel relatively confident that, at this point, *some* of Castellanos’s waiting has been directly tied to the Cubs. But also reckon he’s not solely waiting on the Cubs, and I further reckon that sooner rather than later, he’s gonna get an offer he just has to accept.
Probably from the Rangers:
If the Rangers add another big bat…. it seems that Nicholas Castellanos is their target….. Arenado trade seems unlikely….Marcel Ozuna doesn't appear to be high on their list….. Still seems that Castellanos could happen before this is all over….
— TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) January 15, 2020
Rangers remain willing to add to roster. Nick Castellanos remains a strong option.
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) January 15, 2020
Although the Rangers have already added Todd Frazier to theoretically man third base and provide an additional right-handed bat, they haven’t spent the money that was otherwise allocated for their failed Anthony Rendon pursuit. And with at bats available at first base, DH, and one of the corner outfield spots, it just makes too much sense for them to be aggressive on Castellanos.
We still don’t have a great sense of what kind of price tag Castellanos is looking at – the bat is solid with upside and he’s young, but the defensive questions are significant – but history has shown that guys who wait into February generally don’t find the deal they want unless they’re really elite.
If the Cubs want any shot at Castellanos, and if they are 100% committed to being under the luxury tax, then they have to hope to pull off a miracle salary dump (unlikely), or hope that the Kris Bryant service time grievance is decided ASAP, they pull off a trade (*FOR GOOD VALUE*), and then they make something happen to coordinate a spot for Castellanos.
I am only barely holding out a sliver of hope at this point.