The Cincinnati Reds have behaved like a selling team during the whole offseason, before and after the lockout.
They got rid of Tucker Barnhart, Eugenio Suarez, Jesse Winker, Wade Miley, Amir Garrett, and Sonny Gray in the last few months, among others.
However, a recent rumor suggested they might be interested in re-signing one of their biggest stars of the 2021 season: Nick Castellanos.
“Some surprise teams are showing interest in Castellanos. One of those is his old team, the Reds, who seemed to be in steep sell mode. They do have needs but with contenders in the mix, that would seem like a long shot. Philly, others presumably much more likely,” MLB Network Jon Heyman reported on Friday.
Some surprise teams are showing interest in Castellanos. One of those is his old team, the Reds, who seemed to be in steep sell mode. They do have needs but with contenders in the mix, that would seem like a long shot. Philly, others presumably much more likely.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 18, 2022
The Reds Should Have No Real Shot At Castellanos
It’s really hard to believe that the Reds are actually after Castellanos, and it would be even harder to buy the notion that he would be interested to join a team that looks, after losing so much talent, far from capable of contending in 2022 and beyond.
Perhaps it’s just Cincinnati doing their due diligence, checking on his agents to see where his demands are at.
As Heyman says, however, it’s much more likely that he goes to a team like the Phillies, or even the San Diego Padres.
Before the lockout, Castellanos was reportedly looking for an eight-year deal, but he may not be able to get one that long.
In any case, he is about to get paid.
Last season, the right-handed hitting outfielder slashed .309/.362/.576 with 34 home runs in a solid offense that has now been torn apart.
He is a very capable offensive player, and the appearance of the universal designated hitter rule will help some team cover his evident defensive deficiencies.
NEXT: Reds Move On From Yet Another Productive Player