Levine: Cubs, Orioles Discuss Trade For Castillo
By Bruce Levine--
(CBS) -- The Chicago Cubs have heard from numerous clubs about catcher Welington Castillo's availability.
Chicago had no interest in a conversation this week that would have brought back left-handed reliever Brian Matusz from Baltimore for Castillo, according to MLB sources.
A former starting pitcher and highly projected draft pick, Matusz has become a situationl and setup relief pitcher over the last three seasons. He's averaged one strikeout per inning with a 3-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio the past two years.
Castillo has been regulated to the third catcher role with the Cubs. Chicago traded for Miguel Montero in December, and he has three years and $40 million left on his contract. The Cubs also signed veteran catcher David Ross to a two-year deal in January to back up Montero.
The Cubs will carry three catchers if they must in April. Although they would trade Castillo for a quality player they need, Cubs executives are insistent on getting top talent back for Castillo.
With two aging catchers ahead of him, the 27-year-old Castillo is great insurance against injury to the other receivers. Castillo is out of options and can't be sent to the minor leagues without going through waivers.
Matusz will earn $3.2 million in 2015. Castillo is to be paid $2.1 million this season.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
