The Chicago Cubs have had a busy and productive off-season. They have revamped a large portion of their bullpen by bringing in Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Hunter Harvey, while improving their starting rotation with the addition of Edward Cabrera.
On the offensive side, Tyler Austin was brought in after finding his groove at the plate overseas, outfielder Justin Dean was acquired from the World Series champion Dodgers, and Alex Bregman inked a multi year deal to solidify the hot corner. Yet improvements to the roster could still be made.
As things currently stand, Seiya Suzuki is slated to return to right field, after spending the vast majority of last season as the designated hitter. Moisés Ballesteros is expected to get a lot of opportunities as the designated hitter as a result, but with Nick Castellanos recently being released by the Philadelphia Phillies, a golden opportunity to improve the roster at minimal cost has emerged and is worth exploring.
Signing 2x All-Star Nick Castellanos would finalize the Chicago Cubs roster
Oct 9, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos (8) hits a RBI double in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
After reported disputes with the Phillies’ front office, Castellanos was released with one year and $20 million remaining on his contract. As a result, he’s now free to sign with any team for only the prorated league minimum. Despite a down season at the plate last year, his established offensive track record still makes him an intriguing and potentially worthwhile target.
A season ago, Castellanos posted a .694 OPS, tied for the lowest mark of his 13-year career in a full season. In the years following 2020, however, he earned two All-Star selections, recorded three seasons with 20 or more home runs, including a high of 34, and drove in 100-plus runs twice. He’s not far removed from that level of production, suggesting the soon-to-be 34-year-old could still have plenty to offer a contending team.
One important factor to consider in his defense is his glove. The veteran right fielder posted minus-12 Outs Above Average (OAA) last season, indicating that increased time at designated hitter, where he appeared in just four games in 2025, might help preserve his legs and mitigate defensive concerns. That said, a strategic platoon or rotation at designated hitter with Suzuki could prove to be an effective way to maximize offensive output while limiting defensive exposure.
Ultimately, it will be interesting to see whether the Cubs decide to pursue him. Adding a proven, two-time All-Star on a low-cost deal could be the final move that deepens the lineup. It also could make sense for Castellanos, as a full season at Wrigley Field could allow him to put up some great stats before heading into free agency.
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