Chicago Cubs and shortstop Starlin Castro engaged in contract talks – MLB News
The Chicago Cubs’ shortstop Starlin Castro has now confirmed that he and the club are engaged in long-term contract talks. Speaking to the press on Friday, August 17, the shortstop said Paul Kinzer – his agent, is dealing with all the matters related to the contract.
It is to be mentioned here that Castro has his deal ending in 2016, which essentially means he cannot – for now, become a free agent. The Cubs intend to buy out his remaining arbitration years which include the two years of free agency as well. The last condition stipulated comes into force provided the extension is for six years.
As for the talks, Castro made it abundantly clear that he has left everything to the agent to handle. His focus, it goes without saying, is his performance.
"My agent is talking to the team, but I don't know how far he's going right now," Castro said. "I want to, but I don't pay attention about that. [I'm] letting my agent work and let's see how far it goes."
Castro, importantly, wants to stay with the team. That is perfectly understandable given some of the finest times he has spent with the Cubs, improving his record and giving his team the best. He goes as far as to say that he wants to stay with the Cubs forever.
"I want to be here, I want to be with the team for a long time," Castro said. "I want to be on this team my whole career. I don't want to go nowhere. I want to finish my career here. That's why I tell my agent I want to be here. I want to help the team."
With .276 batting average, the 22-year-old shortstop has had 12 homers and 58 RBIs this season. Overall, this is his third season with the Cubs.
Last year, he had a batting average of .307, leading the National League with 207 hits at a time when the Cubs were not performing up to the mark. It remains to be seen how the talks between his agent and the Cubs go in the end.
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