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Analyzing the Mets’ external options at shortstop
Aug 15, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro (13) hits an RBI single against the New York Mets during the third inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
The three time All-Star will be 25 this coming season with a contract that is fairly affordable (either five years for $43 million or 6 years for $59 million, depending on whether the team picks up his option). Castro would be an upgrade offensively, being that he has a career slash line of .284/.325/.410 in 740 games. Defensively, however, he has his issues, and his stock plummets because of it.
With Addison Russell waiting in the wings, I would expect Cubs GM Theo Epstein to eventually move Castro – when Russell is ready, of course. If he was available this season, a Zack Wheeler for Castro one-for-one deal may be sufficient, but I can’t see Sandy paying such a steep price for a decent player. Now Russell on the other hand…