Possible Offseason Targets for the San Francisco Giants: Nicholas Castellanos

Through the month of October we’ll look at several different targets this offseason that the San Francisco Giants could possibly pursue, continuing with Nicholas Castellanos.

Third base is obviously a position of weakness for the Giants, unless you believe in some of the young guys.

However, I am not a believer and think the front office should address third base this offseason.

For those who think that position will ultimately be solved internally, you can look to a short-term option like Castellanos.

They 25-year-old has two years left before he becomes a free agent and will probably make around $6 million through arbitration in 2017.

He’s a cheap commodity, and the Giants shouldn’t have to give up much for him.

The Tigers are obviously in a rebuild, and I doubt Castellanos will be part of the future. I think he will be moved this offseason or during the 2018 season.

He’s hit double-digit home runs in each of the past four years, with those totals getting higher every year. This past season was his best yet with 26 long balls and 101 RBI.

The Giants could certainly use that type of production from third base.

The one big concern with Castellanos is his defense. The Tigers moved him from third because he was not good there, and then he was even worse in the outfield.

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I know the Giants of the past were built on pitching and defense, but we would have to sacrifice some defense at third to make this move.

I still think Castellanos is a player worth considering. He’s young, controllable and capable of hitting 25-plus home runs a year.

Castellanos might not be the best third base option available this offseason, but he’s someone the Giants could get pretty cheap, while making a major upgrade at a position of need.

That will leave things open to spend money on the outfield, and you wouldn’t have to give up your top prospects.

Next: Possible Offseason Targets for the San Francisco Giants: Steve Cishek

I would not be mad at all if the front office got this deal done in the offseason, but I think there are several other teams that might be in the bidding as well, which could drive his price up.