White Sox Reportedly Considering Breaking Cubs' Hearts and Adding Nicholas Castellanos
By Adam Weinrib
Nicholas Castellanos found a new home in Chicago in 2019 after stagnating in Detroit. Now, it seems possible that he'll find a way to stay in the same city with long-term security under his belt...while switching leagues yet again.
The White Sox reportedly maintain interest in Castellanos even after signing Dallas Keuchel to a three-year deal in free agency, Yes, that means they're willing to splash cash more freely at the moment than the crosstown Cubbies, which is solidly odd.
Source: #WhiteSox remain interested in Nicholas Castellanos, following their signing of Dallas Keuchel. Their current payroll obligation is around $100 million for 2020, with room to possibly increase further. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 23, 2019
The Cubs have become the latest team to fall victim to a self-imposed salary cap that doesn't exist. Despite the obvious fit they found in Castellanos last year (.321 with 16 homers in 51 games with the Cubbies), the North Siders decided future theoretical extensions for core players have put a lid on all their present spending (and yes, they're at least entertaining Kris Bryant trade talks).
.@PWSullivan: With only 7 weeks until spring training, the White Sox have crossed off most of the big needs on their offseason wish list while the Cubs remain in a state of suspended animation.https://t.co/Wl35D6yqHb
— Chicago Tribune Sports (@ChicagoSports) December 23, 2019
That leaves the White Sox to pick at the muted maneuvering of a disintegrated dynasty, and it seems they still have their eyes keenly trained on Castellanos, whom they know well from years of divisional battling. And if he doesn't block Luis Robert's ascendence, then why not?!