When the Cubs acquired top prospect shortstop Addison Russell from the Athletics in the Jeff Samardzija/Jason Hammel deal last month, many assumed that it likely signified the beginning of the end for Starlin Castro in Chicago. One potential destination is the Mets, who have a need for a shortstop and match up as a good trade partner for the Cubs since they have plenty of young pitching to offer. With the Cubs in Queens for a three-game series against the Mets this weekend, it’s only natural that Castro is being asked about the possibility, but he told Patrick Mooney of CSNChicago.com that he hopes to stay with the Cubs.
After regressing last season, Castro has bounced back this year by batting .286/.335/.429 with 12 home runs and 63 RBI over 121 games. He doesn’t turn 25 until next March and still has five years remaining on the seven-year, $60 million extension he signed with the Cubs in August of 2012. His contract also includes a club option for 2020.
“Of course I want to stay here,” Castro said. “I want to be part of the team when we make the playoffs and we have a good team that can compete every year.”
Castro politely listened to the New York reporter asking if he’s willing to change positions if that means staying in Chicago. The shortstop’s on track to post a career-high in fielding percentage (.977), while his errors have declined steadily across the last four seasons, from 29 to 27 to 22 to 12 so far this year.
“I think I showed a lot of people that I can be good at my position,” Castro said. “Again, I don’t have the control (over that). But I think a lot of people see – and a lot of people know – that I can handle that position.”
After regressing last season, Castro has bounced back this year by batting .286/.335/.429 with 12 home runs and 63 RBI over 121 games. He doesn’t turn 25 until next March and still has five years remaining on the seven-year, $60 million extension he signed with the Cubs in August of 2012. His contract also includes a club option for 2020.