Report: Teams Calling Tigers On Availability Of Nick Castellanos
By Dan Jenkins
@DanTJenkins
Al Avila and the Detroit Tigers have had a busy offseason, working to retool a team that was largely disappointing in 2015. The Tigers still have valuable pieces and players, but need upgrades at the same time.
Even as a first-year general manager, Avila hasn't been afraid to make moves and still has time to make a few more impactful additions or subtractions before Spring Training begins.
According to Tony Paul of the Detroit News, Avila has fielded calls from opposing teams about the availability of third baseman Nick Castellanos.
"Another Tiger who could be traded, Nick Castellanos -- yes, there have been inquiring phone calls -- wouldn't be nearly enough to balance the books to sign an outfielder. Castellanos still barely makes the league minimum."
The 23-year-old infielder was one of the Tigers' most highly-touted prospects before getting a chance at the big league level. In two years of full-time service, Castellanos has 26 home runs but an on-base percentage of only .304.
He also ranked near the bottom of the league in defensive WAR (-0.7) among third baseman in 2015, according to ESPN.