Report: Castellanos prefers winning culture, eyeing Giants, Rangers, Cubs
The highest bidder may not win the Nicholas Castellanos sweepstakes if the slugger doesn't like that team's clubhouse culture.
Castellanos is searching for a club willing to embrace a veteran leader and one that's committed to building a winner, according to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. The outfielder sees the San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, and Chicago Cubs - his most recent team - as three organizations that fit, Sharma adds.
The 27-year-old played for the Detroit Tigers last year - the franchise that drafted him 44th overall in 2010 - and the Cubs after a midseason trade. Castellanos wound up breaking out with the Cubs, posting a 1.002 OPS over 51 games with 21 doubles and 16 homers.
The veteran has hit .277/.326/.471 during his career with a 112 wRC+ over 888 games. He played third base early in his career and converted to a full-time corner outfielder in 2018.
While Cubs ownership is reducing spending, the Rangers have been attempting to make meaningful moves this winter. After losing out on top free agents like Texas native Anthony Rendon, Texas recently acquired two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber from the Cleveland Indians.
Meanwhile, the Giants are in a bit of a transition phase, and they haven't spent much this offseason aside from a one-year, $9 million deal given to starter Kevin Gausman. They've lost Madison Bumgarner to the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks, and closer Will Smith to the Atlanta Braves, both through free agency.
The Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, and Miami Marlins have previously been connected to Castellanos.