Earlier this year I discussed the possibility that the Cubs ink Castro to a long-term extension in the vein of the Tampa Bay Rays. It looks like Castro's agent Paul Kinzer has pushed negotiations to the back burner now.
This could help or hurt Castro as he continues to feel out the shortstop position defensively, add long-ball power as he moves into the #3 spot in the order, and add plate-discipline that lends itself to a low-power Vlad Guerrero. As Castro continues to show what he can do from the plate (.307 career BA, OPS nearing .800 with just 14 career HRs), negative answers to any of the above questions could hurt the long-term value of his contract. Along with the potential for injury, the shot at buying out arbitration years with near-guaranteed high dollar option years (a la Evan Longoria) diminish should he show a need to move to a less-demanding (and lesser valued) position like 2B or LF.
Likeliest Scenario: Cubs leave an offer on the table to buy out Castro's remaining arbitration years (2013-2017) in addition to high-value team options for his first two years of free agency at a total of $55M (two $13M team options in '18 and '19 included). Castro's agent agrees as that's a lot of money for a 10HR hitting LF and still significant doughnuts for a 20/20 guy. Castro would also be a free agent regardless by his 29th birthday, just enough time to lock-in a $100M deal should he prove himself worthy.
Cubs Contracts and Callups
Starlin Castro
I like your contract layout. Should consider letting someone else give him that 100 million contract even though the fans would hate it. Get the most bang for your buck
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