Among the soft spots the Cubs would like to shore up at the deadline are offensive deficiencies at second base and center field, though they may not be able to acquire an exact fit. Which is to say Whit Merrifield, who can fill either or both spots, is going to cost a boatload if the Royals indeed look to move him. A more judicious approach might be to pick up a corner outfielder on an expiring deal and slide Jason Heyward over to center more regularly.
One such player is the Tigers’ Nick Castellanos, who has been involved in trade rumors for more than a year now.