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Starlin Castro profiles as perfect offseason target for New York Yankees

By Michael Natelli

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Starlin Castro has been one of the few bright spots over the last few years for the rebuilding Chicago Cubs. But he’s been mentioned as a trade candidate through the season, and as FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal noted on Saturday, the 25-year-old’s recent play at second base makes him that much more marketable this offseason.

Because of his ups and downs, Castro has been outcasted by many as an undesirable asset. But people often forget that his career numbers currently project to put him within striking distance of 3000 hits when all is said and done. After struggling through much of the season, Castro has turned it on down the stretch, hitting .345 through his last 30 games with five home runs, 30 hits and two walks against just 13 strikeouts.

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He may not be in the plans as a starter for the Cubs next year, Castro’s more than talented enough to have a starting spot in a big-league lineup. And a good one at that.

While “shortstop that can hit” could be a worthwhile acquisition for more than a handful of teams this winter, the one that stands out most is the New York Yankees. Castro checks every box for an ideal offseason addition for New York.

The Yankees are locked into several expensive, long-term contracts with aging players (Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez, Jacoby Ellsbury, Chase Headley, just to name a few). But while they’ve surprised baseball and seem likely to play in the postseason, it’s clear they could use some help this winter, specifically in the middle infield. And while they could likely afford to add another big contract of an aging veteran — some have speculated a reunion with Robinson Cano — it isn’t the ideal option.

Enter Castro, who will be 26 at the start of the 2016 and is signed through 2019 with a club option for the 2020 season. The contract never surpasses $11-million in annual salary, with the exception of the $16-million club option. He’s not “cheap,” but the price tag certainly matches the product quality.

Based on full 2015 stats alone, pursuing Castro seems pointless for New York. He and Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorious have nearly identical offensive lines, with Gregorious posting significantly better defensive numbers. But the two are going in opposite directions of late, as Gregorious has hit just .208 over his last 15 games, also failing to pick up a hit in seven of those.

Castro could also move to second base full time. Stephen Drew is set to hit the free agent market, and while his 17 home runs have been more than New York could’ve expected, Castro would present a more consistent contributor at the plate that will also be good for some power.

So he checks all the boxes. The Yankees would obtain a controllable, offensively-capable, young middle infielder that won’t break the bank. And while he’ll cost some prospect talent, New York has players locked up long term at so many positions that the only area that might potentially take a hit is pitching.

There’s no doubt the Yankees are one of the most capable franchises in baseball when it comes to landing big-time talent. But the method — spend big money and commit long-term on aging big names — has handcuffed them on multiple occasions in recent years. Castro presents the perfect opportunity to do it the right way, right the ship and continue to improve while not burying the club in an even deeper hole down the road. The Cubs seem to be selling, so the Yankees should be buying.

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