The Cubs and Starlin Castro are working towards a long-term contract that could be for six years or more.

"Yes, we have been talking," agent Paul Kinzer said. "Starlin loves being a Chicago Cub and would like to play there his entire career. I'd prefer to negotiate privately with the Cubs, but yes, we have been talking about a long-term deal."

A deal is expected to be reached before the end of the 2012 season and would buy out the remaining arbitration years that Castro has, as well as least two years of free agency.