Prior to the MLB trade deadline, Starlin Castro was a hot name floating around the market. The Cubs denied the idea they were planning on dealing away the short stop and told Castro that he was safe from being moved for the time being. However, that patience appears to be wearing thin as Castro officially made the move to second base and could be on his way out sooner rather than later.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Castro debuted at second base and a trade could be on the horizon with the waiver deadline approaching at the end of the month. Castro's agent, Paul Kinzer, admitted to the media that things were awkward between his client and the team and something could easily happen either in the winter or this month with the Cubs growing impatient of Castro's poor production.
"It's very awkward right now for everybody," said Kinzer, view the Sun Times. "Sometimes a change of scenery is good for anybody. I think it would crush him to leave Chicago. He loves it here."
The issue for Castro is the other players the Cubs have either on the field or waiting in the wings. Top prospect Javier Baez is ready and waiting for his time to be called up. The top prospect was ruled unavailable during the trade deadline as the Cubs intend for him to be a part of their future long-term. If a deal for Castro comes around, Baez will get his shot.
Addison Russell is also hurting the stock of Castro as he appears to be a lock to finish out the season at shortstop. Manager Joe Maddon admitted he is a big fan of Russell. If the Cubs were able to trade Castro, they could easily move both Russell and Baez around in the infield for better production.
"You got to get Javy here and playing and being successful to really even consider that," said Maddon, via the Chicago Tribune. "(Russell is) looking like the guy everyone thought he was going to be. Javy is still getting his way back here."
It is unclear what the Cubs would trade Castro for. At the deadline they were linked to several pitching names, but did not make any serious moves. James Shields, Ian Kennedy, Craig Kimbrel and Jeff Samardzija are all still available for the taking at the waiver deadline. If the Cubs feel they could still use one more pitching upgrade, all three of those options would be solid for the team.
