Chicago Cubs analysis: A Starlin Castro trade shouldn’t be an inevitability
By Paul Steeno
Oct 17, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder Starlin Castro (13) is tagged out at the plate by New York Mets catcher Travis d
The Chicago Cubs need to think before getting rid of Castro. There is something to be said about a young player, with a controllable contact who has high character and had a fantastic end to the previous season.
In terms of a potential Gardner for Castro trade, this transaction makes little sense for the Cubs.
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The 32-year-old outfielder was a 2015 All-Star; however, this is somewhat deceiving. Unlike Castro, his performance plummeted the second half of the season where he slashed .206/.300/.292. In terms of age and production, the two players are trending in the opposite direction.
In addition, the Chicago Cubs have a number of in-house outfielder options that would cost less than Brett Gardner. There are several drawbacks to Brett Gardner coming to the Cubs and this club can’t afford to give up a valuable player in Starlin Castro for an older player who arguably isn’t an upgrade.
Next: Cubs, Yankees talking Starlin Castro Trade
The Chicago Cubs should save Castro for a more high-profile trade. Even if they end up keeping Castro for another season that isn’t the end of the world because he is a high character player that can help this team win in 2016.