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MLB Trade Deadline 2019: 5 players who made out best by being dealt

By Joshua Sadlock

ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: Zack Greinke #21 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2019 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Curry/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO - JULY 14: Zack Greinke #21 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2019 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Curry/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JULY 29: Nicholas Castellanos #9 of the Detroit Tigers looks out from the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 29, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JULY 29: Nicholas Castellanos #9 of the Detroit Tigers looks out from the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 29, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

3. Nicholas Castellanos

There are few better ways for a hitter in his walk year to improve his stock than by putting together a productive stretch in a pennant race and into the postseason. A historic run in the 2015 playoffs helped Daniel Murphy land a $37.5-million contract. J.D. Martinez earned himself over $100 million by going on a tear with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017. While it’s unlikely that Nicholas Castellanos will deliver a Ruthian postseason like Murphy or hit 29 home runs in 62 games like Martinez, he can only boost his stock after being traded to the Chicago Cubs.

Castellanos managed to continue putting up solid numbers for the rebuilding Detroit Tigers, hitting .283/.334/.489 over the last four seasons with 144 doubles, 22 triples, 78 home runs, 285 RBI and an OPS+ of 117. Prior to the trade, Castellanos hit .273/.328/.462 with 37 doubles and 11 home runs for the last-place Tigers. The 27-year-old had gone into a slump in the week leading up to the trade deadline, going 2-for-24 in six games with a double.

In Chicago, look for Castellanos to be put in position to succeed. He has been one of the best hitters in the league against lefties and will take pressure of Kyle Schwarber. Castellanos has hit .347/.415/.611 with four home runs and 11 RBI against southpaws this year.

This winter, Castellanos will have his chance to sign a multi-year contract that will extend into his thirties. Obviously, free agency hasn’t gone quite as well as hoped for corner outfielders of late, but at least Castellanos will have a better chance to make his case after getting to play for a contender the last two months of the season.

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