The New York Yankees were very open discussing potential trades this offseason, but what we didn’t know was that they were secretly shopping Starlin Castro.
Brett Gardner and Chase Headley were the two names on everyone’s tongue this offseason in trade rumors for the New York Yankees. However, Brian Cashman was also searching for potential trade partners for young second baseman Starlin Castro.
According to a report from Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Castro was a name that Cashman “let some clubs know was available.”
The 26-year-old infielder took over a vacant second base spot for the Yankees following a trade from the Chicago Cubs last offseason. Castro made the perfect double play partner for shortstop Didi Gregorius and served as a reliable offensive threat.
In his first two games in pinstripes, Castro set a record with seven RBIs. He batted a .270/.300/.433 line and slugged a career-high 21 home runs. The second baseman played a huge role in helping the Yankees fight for a playoff spot.
While trade talks for Castro may come as a surprise for some, it actually is a viable possibility. Considering all the young talent festering in the minor leagues, he could easily be pushed out in favor of prospects like Gleyber Torres or even Jorge Mateo.
Castro, a lifetime .280 hitter, would be a solid candidate for any team seeking a young, talented infielder. Even with the difference he’s made for the Yankees, his loss wouldn’t be too monumental to overcome.
With Cashman revealing that he has mentioned Castro in deals, it shows that they are open to other options, unlike the Yankees of a few years ago.For now, we’ve got Castro manning second base. However, it just goes to show that Castro might not be in the Yankees’ long term plans.