Nick Castellanos Was the Exact Shot of Energy the Cubs Needed

Trade deadline acquisitions have played big parts in the runs of the last three World Series champions.

Perhaps Nicholas Castellanos can play a similar role for the Chicago Cubs late in the 2019 season.

Castellanos has played four games for the Cubs since being acquired on July 31 from the Detroit Tigers. He's hitting .313/.353/.438 in 16 at-bats and has brought a much-needed energy to the team.

The Cubs are a team that many feel have gotten too comfortable the past few years, as evidenced by their lackluster performances ever since their 2016 World Series victory. Offseason buzz of trading former MVP Kris Bryant and the lack of contract extension for manager Joe Maddon are possibly meant to send messages to a complacent roster.

Castellanos is a young player that's hungry to be a part of a playoff push. He was last in the postseason as a rookie in 2014 and has since been a part of losing Tigers team. Someone looking to get back to playing competitive baseball could help provide a sense of urgency for the Cubs.

Plays like hustling out of the box on balls hit down the right-field line, seen in two straight weekend games, show Castellanos' worth to the Cubs beyond the box score.

His stats will also surely improve playing in Wrigley Field rather than Comerica Park, the latter of which he called a "joke."

"He's reminding us what hunger looks like," Maddon said of his new outfielder.

This new Cubs team just swept the Brewers in three games and now lead the division by 1.5 games. Castellanos may be the shot in the arm that the Cubs have been missing in recent years, so look for him to play a key role down the stretch.