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Why Haven’t the Chicago Cubs Traded Starlin Castro Yet?

By Josh Sippie

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When the Chicago Cubs acquired Addison Russell on Independence Day, 2014, it seemed like a sure-fire thing. The Cubbies patience had worn off with Starlin Castro and he was set to move on. However, a quick move to second base showed that maybe the error-ridden short stop still had hope in Chicago.

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And then came Javier Baez, the highly-touted, 22 year old second baseman with power from a non-power spot. The problem was that Addison Russell was there. Therefore, it was Starlin Castro’s fault, because Addison Russell is a shortstop.

Again, the question is why the Cubs are maintaining Starlin Castro. With an infield like Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo, the Chicago Cubs are suddenly set for a decade on the diamond.

It seems like only a matter of time, as the Cubs still see Addison Russell as a shortstop. “It’s definitely within his future,” Manager Joe Maddon said to CSN Chicago. Maddon went on (according to the Chicago Sun Times): “I can’t give a time frame on that. I just know that he’s a shortstop. That’s who he is.” He went on to conspicuously state that he did not know if he would be a short stop here or somewhere else, but we will chalk that bit up to him being frustrated at the questions.

Starlin Castro has made 14 errors this year. That is good for second in the league at short stop. For a guy that was once (laughably) called the next Derek Jeter, it might be safe to say that it is not exactly working out. Now 25 years old, Castro’s first-two years’ numbers are proving to be a fluke, as he has not hit .300 since those years.

Addison Russell is younger than Castro by four years and you could make the argument that he is already better. Throw out the fact that he has so much more time to grow, Russell is hitting just .010 points under Starlin Castro and in 80 less at-bats, he has as many home runs and he is catching up in RBIs.

Now lets consider Javier Baez. The slugging second baseman was given a prolonged stint in the majors and while his power numbers were pretty good (9 home runs, 20 RBIs), his .169 average left much to be desired.

However, thus far into the Triple-A season, Baez is rocking a .314 average with 8 home runs and 29 RBIs.

Which makes us wonder: Is Starlin Castro one successful Javier Baez promotion away from being traded?

It does not seem unlikely. Castro has been “on the block” since Addison Russell was acquired and if Russell’s future really is at shortstop, then Castro needs to be ousted. Seeing as how he is still a youngster at 25, now would be the time to get the maximum return on the shortstop.

Starlin Castro weathered some rough times with the Chicago Cubs throughout his early years, but between the errors and an often-questionable demeanor, it may be best for all parties if he gets shipped to one of the host of teams that really need a shortstop. Veteran leadership is useful, but as mentioned, Castro has a history of attitude problems and that is not the kind of veteran leadership you want on a team of youngsters.

Next: What would Scherzer have done with the Cubs?

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