Report: Cubs have discussed Castro with Padres

The San Diego Padres' search for help on the left side of the infield has apparently crossed through the Windy City.

The Padres and Chicago Cubs have discussed shortstop Starlin Castro, according to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, while the Cubs have asked about San Diego's starting pitching.

Casto has battled inconsistency throughout his six-year career, and is slugging a career-worst .233/.268/.302 with five home runs and 68 strikeouts across 95 games this season.

The 25-year-old is owed more than $40 million over the next four years, and the Cubs could be eager to move him in order to shift Addison Russell over to shortstop.

San Diego has struggled to receive any production from shortstop. The Padres currently have 36-year-old Clint Barmes manning the position following an experiment with Will Middlebrooks, which lasted eight games before they optioned him to Triple-A.