MLB rumors: Giants seen as top Nicholas Castellanos bidder in free agency

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The Giants' wish list at the MLB Winter Meetings is starting to become more clear. The front office wants to add to their rotation and will meet with Madison Bumgarner's representatives this week. They also would like to add a left-handed bat for the infield and a right-handed bat in the outfield. 

It appears they have locked in on one particular right-handed slugger for the outfield. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported Monday that one team views the Giants as the top bidder for Nicholas Castellanos. He could be the perfect fit for the power-depleted Giants, too. 

Castellanos, 27, already has ties to the Giants. General manager Scott Harris was the Cubs' assistant GM last season when Chicago acquired Castellanos from the Tigers. Once the six-year pro moved to the Windy City, he became a star. 

In 51 games with the Cubs, Castellanos hit .321 with 16 homers, 21 doubles and a 1.002 OPS. Between Detroit and Chicago, he hit 27 homers last season, his third straight year with at least 20 long balls. 

Castellanos is considered a defensive liability by many -- he was worth negative-9 defensive runs saved in 2019, according to FanGraphs -- but Rosenthal says the Giants believe his defense improved after the trade. He also can play both corner outfield spots, as well as third base, and he has shown a willingness to play first base when needed.

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Another reason the Giants could be enticed by Castellanos is his power against left-handed pitching. Left-handed hitters Mike Yastrzemski and Alex Dickerson likely will see plenty of time in the outfield, and it certainly would help to have someone like Castellanos in the lineup, who has an .891 career OPS and .532 slugging percentage against southpaws. 

The Giants ranked near the bottom in all of baseball last season in homers, slugging percentage and runs scored. It's no surprise this team needs a power upgrade and Castellanos could their man.

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