The Minnesota Twins are being overlooked in the voting for the Major League Baseball All-Star game, and for that reason, it's no surprise that infielder Willi Castro is not getting much attention. That said, Castro has been an unsung performer in what is quickly becoming a lost season for the Twins, slashing .277/.359/.451 with 7 home runs and 131 wRC+. With the Twins now being viewed as sellers ahead of the deadline, Castro is likely a trade chip that will generate heavy interest.
One of those teams with an interest in Castro is the Chicago Cubs. Respected Cubs' site, North Side Baseball, reports that the Cubs and Twins have already had some conversations about a trade that would send Castro to Chicago. With a struggling rookie at third base in Matt Shaw and an underperforming bench, the Cubs are looking at players like Castro who could provide a safety net for their offense. The Cubs are also looking for pitching, so the two teams could match up on a deal that extends beyond Castro.
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Of course, the Cubs looking at the Twins as a potential seller ahead of the deadline speaks to the sudden change in perception of the season. After the Twins went 18-8 in May, it seemed clear that they were going to be buyers ahead of the deadline. Now, trending toward being one of the worst teams in baseball, the Twins will likely be sellers.
The good news for the Twins is that the Cubs have a farm system that is aligned with their needs. Infield prospects James Triantos and Jonathon Long fit the mold of infielders that the Twins have targeted in past deals. If the Twins are looking for an outfielder who can provide some pop, Owen Caissie would certainly be a name of interest. Of course, for Caissie to be involved in the deal, the Twins would likely be parting with much more than Castro. On the pitching side, Jordan Wicks would fill an immediate need in the rotation, considering the injuries to Pablo Lopez and Zebby Matthews.
With the Twins now appearing to be sellers, they need to look to make deals with teams that have a strong minor league system. The Cubs would be near the top of that list.