Chicago Cubs middle infielder Starlin Castro could reportedly be on the move as the organization looks to upgrade other areas of the roster this offseason.
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Cubs Discussed Castro With New York Yankees
Friday, Nov. 20
Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News reported the Cubs and the Yankees have talked about a potential swap that would include Castro and outfielder Brett Gardner. The natural shortstop would be expected to fill New York’s void at second base.
He gained 38 games worth of experience at the position last year with Chicago. The Cubs juggled a rotation of Castro, Addison Russell and Tommy La Stella at shortstop and second. Moving the three-time All-Star would help lessen the logjam.
After a strong start to his career, the 25-year-old Dominican Republic native has struggled two out of the past three years. He hit .245 with a .284 on-base percentage in 2013 and had a .265 average with a .296 OBP this past season.
He would still represent an upgrade at second base for the Yankees. They are currently projected to start Dustin Ackley or Rob Refsnyder.
Going to a team where his role would be more steady would give Castro a chance to find a comfort zone again and perhaps get back to his peak performance. He hit .283 with 55 extra-base hits, including 14 home runs, in 2012.
Exactly how far along the talks between the Cubs and the Yankees are is unclear. But it sounds like the sides at least have the building blocks in place for future discussions regarding Castro and Gardner.
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