Cubs pull off last-second trade for Tigers outfielder

Jay Biggerstaff - USA Today Sports

by Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Jul 31, 2019, 4:22 PM

The Chicago Cubs have made a last-second trade with the Detroit Tigers to get outfielder Nick Castellanos. Reportedly, they had to give up two pitching prospects Paul Richan and Alex Lange.

The 27-year-old Castellanos is currently batting .280 with 11 home runs and 35 RBI in his seventh season in the big leagues. He is hitting .347 with a 1.026 OPS against lefties this season.

He has spent his entire MLB career with the Tigers.

Castellanos is making $9.95 million this season and will become a free agent this offseason.

Regardless of how the season ends up, Epstein and co. didn't go down without a fight as they have made several moves before the deadline.

Castellanos with a .790 OPS. Has a .357 OBP batting second this season. Could easily fit at top of Cubs lineup
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) July 31, 2019

So in terms of holes to fill — whether you like the names or not — Cubs addressed all of them, RHP, LHP, bench bat and top of order bat as well. Now they just have to perform
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) July 31, 2019

FIRST LOOK: Hey Chicago, whaddaya say? Nicolas Castellanos became a Cub today.

(trade via @Ken_Rosenthal) pic.twitter.com/keQJDOihvL
— Cut4 (@Cut4) July 31, 2019