Last week it was said the San Diego Padres were looking for a shortstop and that Starlin Castro of the Chicago Cubs could potentially be a trade target because of the team's plethora of middle infielders. Theo Epstein provided some insight on such a possibility shortly after.
The insight provided two possibilities - no trade at all or 'big trades.'
Many are wondering exactly what Chicago's plan is, considering they have Castro starting at shortstop, Arismendy Alcantara in a utility role and prospects Addison Russell and Javier Baez in the minor leagues. Each of these players provides defensive versatility, but their primary roles are in the middle infield. With Kris Bryant slated to be the team's third baseman of the future and Anthony Rizzo already their franchise player at first base, what exactly, if anything, does Epstein have planned in the future?
"No agenda going into this year," Epstein told Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago.
"They can play together," he said in reference to Castro, Russell, Baez and Alcantara. "Is it likely that they all play together and we bring in no one from outside the organization? No. The most likely outcome is that we keep a lot of these guys and we sign a free agent or so over the years and we make a couple trades, too. Big trades. That's most likely.
"But my point is, when I say they can all play together, that's a direct answer to the question: 'What are you going to do with all these shortstops?' Well, your three shortstops can play second, short and third ... They have a lot of versatility and there's a way that they all fit together. It's not like we're sitting there with five first basemen wondering what the hell we're going to do with them."
Last season many speculated Castro's departure could have been foreshadowed with the acquisition of Russell, who came over from the Oakland Athletics in the deal that sent Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to the American League. Castro has emerged as one of the league's best young shortstops after his 2011, 2012 and 2014 campaigns and is also under a team friendly contract, but his involvement in off-field situations has had the Cubs a bit concerned.
The 25-year-old was linked to two shootings in the Dominican Republic in the offseason and was questioned by police. Although he was cleared of any wrongdoing, it was said Epstein "was not pleased to hear about" the incidents, which may have had the team exploring their trade options. Castro would yield a good amount in return considering his age and contract, and it was said they feel Russell is ready for the big leagues, so they would be in good shape if they can get value for Castro and provide an immediate replacement for him.
But Mooney says to hold the phone on a deal for Castro right now.
"Before you ship Castro out of town, let's see what he can do on a good team, how focused he will be in a pennant race, where his game can go with an established leader and a cohesive clubhouse.
"Remember, Maddon is Castro's fifth manager in six seasons and the shortstop remains under club control through 2020, so there's no reason to rush into a deal."
However, with Alcantara, Baez and Russell, the Cubs have more than enough young firepower to take Castro's place and it can be argued Russell has a brighter future. It would also make little sense for them to deal Russell because they just acquired him and it's doubtful there's a big market for Baez, who has been struggling at the plate since late last year (even though he's still just 22 years old).
Instead, Chicago can sell high on their incumbent shortstop if he gets off to a fast start this month and perhaps acquire another top starter to join their rotation alongside Jon Lester. The Cubs reportedly spoke to the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals regarding starters Cole Hamels and Jordan Zimmermann earlier in the offseason and both clubs could use a shortstop. Philadelphia traded Jimmy Rollins to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the offseason and the Nationals have failed to sign Ian Desmond to a contract extension.
It certainly possible these infielders can play together, but what would be the sense in stockpiling such capable talent without having a clear cut plan? The Cubs have needs in other areas, so don't be surprised if Epstein pulls the trigger on this 'big trade' to acquire someone and bolster another aspect of their roster.
