Based solely on the volume of reports this week, the front office is stepping up its efforts to add an outfielder to the Cubs roster.
It was believed the Cubs were focused on adding a left-handed hitting centerfielder, but the search as expanded according to reports from Buster Olney and Ken Rosenthal. The Cubs would like to acquire an outfielder that can play either center field or left field on a regular basis, not in a bench role.
According to a report from the Tribune, the Cubs offense could receive a boost with the addition of a top of the order bat. Mark Gonzales reiterated Arismendy Alcantara is penciled in center and for now, Chris Coghlan and Chris Denorfia are “set to share left field.”
Gonzales brought up the Red Sox “surplus of outfielders” as a possibility for the Cubs without mentioning any names.
Boston currently has Rusney Castillo, Hanley Ramirez, Shane Victorino, Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr., Bryce Brentz, Allen Craig, Brock Holt and Daniel Nava on its 40-man roster. And by looking at the list it is pretty obvious which players are available in the right deal.
Mark Gonzales also reconnected the Cubs to Ben Revere while reporting the reminder the Phillies scouted the Cubs pretty heavily at the end of last season. Reports at the time indicated the Phillies watched the big league team and the system prior to the conclusion of the minor league season.
Gonzales did not provide any details on what the Phillies or Red Sox could be interested in coming back from the Cubs. Both teams, along with the Rangers, have been linked to Welington Castillo.
The Tribune pointed out Castillo “is expendable” and Texas is “looking for catching help. But Jon Daniels might be going in a different direction, or directions, for a catcher.
According to a report from the Houston Chronicle, the Rangers have discussed Carlos Corporan with the Astros. The Astros agreed to terms on a one-year contract for $975,000 with Corporan on Thursday to avoid arbitration. Evan Drellich reported it would likely take a mid-level prospect for the Rangers to acquire the backstop.
Chris Cotillo reported Thursday that Geovany Soto is talking to a few teams and could sign “in a few days.” The Rangers are one of the teams in on Soto according to Cotillo.
And Jeff Wilson indicated Thursday, the Rangers search for a catcher is “pointing them toward” Carlos Corporan and Geovany Soto. Wilson said Corporan and Soto are not the only catchers the Rangers are interested in, but did not provide any details.
As for other teams the Cubs could deal Castillo, Bruce Levine has maintained he could be used in a trade to bring back an outfielder. The Padres, Nationals and Dodgers are teams Levine has reported as being interested in Castillo. And Jay Jaffe thinks the Diamondbacks, Orioles, Rangers, A’s and the White Sox are teams that could use Castillo.
The front office appears to be exploring options. Will the Cubs find what they are looking for?