The inevitable comps to Nick Castellanos aren’t fair to Steven Souza Jr., who ostensibly replaced the instant fan favorite as the Cubs sought to fill the roster at a decidedly lower cost than last season. They’re not the same player and Souza wasn’t brought in to mimic the borderline absurd statistical boost the Cubs got following last season’s deadline deal, but he might be able to give his counterpart a run for his money in the emotional leadership department.
Big Nick Energy almost single-handedly pulled the Cubs into the playoffs, tugging the team like a strongman towing an airplane, but it wasn’t just about his 154 wRC+ and 16 homers over two torrid months.