By Yusseff Díaz
Nicholas Castellanos is one of the most efficient hitters of the last three years. During that time the Cuban-American is hitting .286 with 70 longballs,193 runs batted in and leads all hitters with 106 doubles. His 256 extra base hits in the last four years also lead all big leaguers.
At 29 years of age the native of Miami is heading into his prime and en route to more than 500 doubles and 2,000 hits for his career if stays healthy.
I was able to catch up with the young slugger a few weeks ago when the Reds visited the Marlins at loanDepot Park. In the current day Castellanos is fourth in the NL in batting average (.309), third in doubles (37) and is a roundtripper away from 30. Castellanos will finish the season hitting .370 against his hometown fish.
It’s Nicholas Castellanos’ world. We’re all just living in it 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fKGSsM9mUE
— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) April 6, 2021
You are a native of Miami. Do you feel comfortable playing at loanDepot Park?
Yes I feel very comfortable. It is always good to play at home.
You lead all big league hitters in doubles the last three years in double with 106. Is there a certain thing in your hitting the lead to that outcome?
No, not necessarily. I always come to the plate with the same approach, I’m always looking to hit the ball solidly and up the middle. Fortunately things have worked it in my favor and I’ve been able to hit plenty of doubles.
You were fortunate to play with Miguel Cabrera for seven years in Detroit. How did that help your development as a hitter?
I learned a lot simply by watching him hit. He is a great hitter and a great for young hitters. Simply observing him helped me a lot in my development.
At 29 you are heading into your prime and you already have more than 1,000 hits and 250 doubles. Are 500 doubles and 2,000 hits reachable before you retire?
I think they are, especially if I can stay healthy. If I can keep up my current pace and maintain my productivity, I believe I can definitely reach those marks before my playing days are up.