According to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press, Tigers outfielder Nicholas Castellanos wants out of Detroit. This comes after the Freep learned from Castellanos’ agent David Meter that his client would prefer to begin spring training with a new team if it’s the Tigers’ plan, short-term or long-term to trade the outfielder anyway.
Via the Detroit Free Press:
Nicholas Castellanos didn’t have to answer any questions about his seat on the trading block on Thursday because of a previous commitment that will also force him to miss TigerFest on Saturday. As in, when will he be traded? Where will he be traded to? Or, what will the Tigers get back in return?
Last year, Castellanos spoke at TigerFest about his dream of staying in Detroit for the duration of his career and winning a World Series with the team that drafted him nearly 10 years ago. But one year later, with free agency on the horizon and his name swirling in trade rumors, Castellanos sees the writing on the wall. And if the Tigers are ready to go in a new direction – they have given no indication that he is part of their future plans – he would prefer a trade to happen sooner rather than later.
Unfortunately however for Castellanos, the market for the outfielder is apparently slim. That is if you believe Tigers general manager Al Avila who today told 97.1 FM The Ticket that the trade prospectus for Castellanos has been “frustrating” and further stated that “…right now, really, I don’t have anything going on,” with regard to Castellanos talks.
So what’s with the “Frustrating” Nick Castellanos market for the Tigers?
Over the past three seasons, Castellanos has slashed a combined .285/.336/.495 with 67 home runs, 107 doubles and 19 triples in 1790 plate appearances. Not only that, Castellanos has seen his strikeout rate decline over the past three seasons while posting a career best 7.2 percent walk rate which translated into posting a career-high .354 on-base percentage in 2018.
However Castellanos continues to be defensive liability posting a 19 DRS, -12.9 UZR and a league-worst -24 Outs Above Average in his first full season as a right fielder. In regard to those numbers, Castellanos may only be seen as a DH only option which would put half of the MLB out on his services.
To add it probably doesn’t help that a number of teams have already addressed their needs for an outfielder with a nice bat up to this point. Last week the Rays signed former Tigers outfielder Avisail Garcia to a contract, the Twins signed Nelson Cruz to a one-year deal, the Braves signed Nick Markakis earlier this week while A.J. Pollock signed with the Dodgers earlier today. Not to mention there’s still other free agent options this offseason still on the table for teams seeking right field help. Some of those options include Marwin Gonzalez, Adam Jones, Carlos Gonzalez, Denard Span and Derek Dietrich.
With all that said, the Tigers too could be pricing themselves out of the Castellanos trade market.
It’s believed Detroit is looking for a high-end prospect in return for the soon-to-be 27 year old outfielder which is a seemingly high price to pay for a guy who will give you decent numbers at the plate but is probably nearing the ceiling of his defensive potential. Not to mention Castellanos currently has one year of club control left after agreeing to a $9.95 million dollar salary for this upcoming season. It’s assumed when his contract is up he’ll be looking for his one big payday which I’m sure makes teams more reluctant to bite on a trade if they know he could very well walk in another year.
So who could still be interested in Castellanos?
If the Tigers were to get a deal done prior to spring training, MLB Trade Rumors points to the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies and Cleveland as being possible landing spots for the right fielder. MLBTR also mentions the Giants as a possible suitor but will probably pass if they have to give up a premium prospect for a one-year rental which would also be the case for the Chicago White Sox.