Cubs News: Scouting Report on Nicholas Castellanos and Tony Kemp
Cubs hope Kemp sparks the ballclub (Jon Durr - USA Today Sports)

Cubs News: Scouting Report on Nicholas Castellanos and Tony Kemp


by - Staff Writer -

On this edition of the Cubs Corner podcast, Anthony welcomed Bob Fiorante, an avid follower of the American League to give some insight on Nicholas Castellanos whom the Cubs acquired from the Detroit Tigers just seconds ahead of Wednesday’s trade deadline and Tony Kemp who the Cubs got earlier in the day from the Houston Astros.

Both players seem to answer questions and fill holes that the Cubs have. The Cubs as of late, especially on the road have lacked consistency on offense- against left-handed pitching especially. Nicholas Castellanos was one of the best bats available at the deadline and crushes left-handed pitching (over .300 average and 1.000 OPS), and the Cubs were able to add him to the mix of position players.

On the year, Castellanos is hitting .273 with 11 homers and 37 RBIs and a major league-leading 38 doubles. Castellanos provides a right-handed bat to balance the Cubs order and has already shown that he can work at-bats and be a “professional hitter” the Cubs have looked for.

So far, Castellanos has been hitting in the two-hole between a surging Jason Heyward and a scuffling Kris Bryant and has played both right and left field thus far with the potential to play third base on occasion.

Anthony’s guest Bob said, “He is an average .270-.280 hitter, but against (the Sox) he was like a .600 hitter”.

Meanwhile, the Cubs seem to be utilizing Tony Kemp as a utility man, maximizing on his versatility and hoping to catch a spark from the 5 foot 6 inch former Astro.

Kemp provides some speed to either the top or bottom of the order that the Cubs have lacked and can play solid defense at every position but first base, pitcher and catcher.

Kemp is known for making consistent contact, something the swing-and-miss heavy Cubs could use some help with.

Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer were busy at the deadline, attempting to fill holes with the additions of Nicholas Castellanos and Tony Kemp among others.

Will it be enough to win the division? Check out the Cubs Corner podcast to find out Anthony and Bob’s predictions.

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