CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 24: Nick Castellanos #2 of the Cincinnati Reds rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The Chicago Cubs have a lot of work to do now that the lockout has ended. Who are some of the players the Cubs should call on?
Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has a lot of moves to make after dropping payroll with a string of trade deadline moves that allowed the team to go much younger.
The team must add some veteran depth on the field, rotation, and bullpen if they hope to compete in the NL Central.
Cubs should bring back Nick Castellanos
Nick Castellanos, 30, had a great season with the Cincinnati Reds in 2021. He hit .309/.362/.576 with 34 homers and 100 RBI.
The Cubs may earn some more flexibility in their line-up with an addition of Castellanos. He spent his time patrolling right field for the Reds, but could also play left field or third base. He would be an amazing option to fill in as designated hitter if the Cubs decide against having one specific DH.
Castellanos has spent time with the Cubs in 2019 after a trade from the Detroit Tigers.
Cubs get ultimate replacement for Javy Baez in Trevor Story
It would be hard to fathom the Cubs trading away their big name talent in Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez and Kris Bryant only to pay around $350 million to acquire prize free agent shortstop Carlos Correa.
Trevor Story would be a lower cost option but with the talent the Cubs seek. He hit .251/.329/.471 for the Colorado Rockies. Story hit 24 homers, 34 doubles, five triples and 75 RBI. He is pretty speedy with 20 stolen base.
Story’s fielding percentage was .975 in 2021 and helped turn 46 double plays.
Story would be an anchoring piece for an infield that may remain young and in need of veteran leadership only he could bring.