The Chicago Cubs are trying to deal shortstop Starlin Castro, according to Jayson Stark of ESPN. Castro was reportedly told by manager Joe Maddon not to worry about being traded and that the team wasn’t interested in trading him. Maddon was most likely making sure that his young shortstop’s head was in the game.
The Cubs have been looking to add a starting pitcher and have been rumored to be in discussions with the Phillies (highly unlikely now that Cole Hamels has been traded) and the Padres. San Diego pitchers Tyson Ross and Andrew Cashner appear to be the best pieces to swap, as both pitchers are under team control past this season.
Castro, 25, is owed $38 million over four-years after this season. He also has a club option worth $16 million for 2020 with a $1 million buyout. Castro was coming off a great 2014 campaign, when he hit .292/.339/.438 with 14 homers and 65 RBIs. The three-time All-Star hasn’t been the same this year, hitting a slash of .237/.271/.305 with five homers and 42 RBIs.
Right now Castro doesn’t look valuable enough to swap for Ross or Cashner without having to give up another prospect. The Cubs might be better off waiting until the offseason.
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