Cubs Reportedly Pursuing Trade For Nick Castellanos

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Photo credit © Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Of their three main trade chips in Matthew Boyd, Shane Greene and Nick Castellanos, the Tigers will have the smallest market for the latter. 

Castellanos has drawn limited interest since the Tigers began shopping him last season. But at least one team appears to making a push for his bat in advance of the July 31 trade deadline. 
The first-place Cubs are pursuing Castellanos, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News, who notes: "This one has some teeth." 

The Cubs are starved for more hitting against left-handed pitchers. Castellanos, who leads the majors in doubles, has crushed southpaws this season to the tune of a .387 average and a 1.152 OPS. 

The same was true last season, and that trend generally holds up over the course of his career. 

Chicago doesn't have much in the way of elite prospects, but Castellanos on his own won't fetch much of a return. Where things could get interesting is if Shane Greene becomes part of the discussion; the Cubs are reportedly interested in the All-Star closer as well. 

Together, Castellanos and Greene could likely yield the Tigers one of the Cubs' two prospects ranked among the top 100 in baseball, via MLB Pipeline: shortstop Nico Hoerner (No. 51 overall) and catcher Miguel Amaya (No. 75). 

However things play out, it's a near certainty Castellanos is gone by next week. The 27-year-old is a pending free agent who the Tigers don't envision as part of their long-term future. 

He's gotten hot at the plate after a cold start, which should help the Tigers attract more offers.