Cincinnati Reds: Adding Nicholas Castellanos does not necessitate a trade

Option 3: Keep the overcrowded outfield intact

Strange as this idea may sound, it could actually work. No one among the Reds outfield is what you’d call a complete player. While one player may be a great defender, he may struggle with consistency at the plate. Where another player might rake against left-handers, he falls apart with a righty on the mound. Perhaps the Reds could keep six outfielders heading into 2020.

You can see the quandary the Cincinnati Reds may face if Castellanos signs. The Reds would have six talented outfielders vying for three spots. Of course injuries happen and the rosters are expanding from 25 to 26, but juggling the lineups so that every player finds an adequate amount of playing time will be a tough task for David Bell.

That said, one thing we learned about Bell after last year is that he loves the double-switch and finds a way for nearly every player to get onto the field in some capacity. A team typically carries five outfielders, but having that extra roster spot would enable Cincinnati to keep all six.

Given the recent injury history of Winker and Senzel, would it really be wise to count on one of those players to be available for an entire season? Over the past two seasons, Winker has totaled 619 at-bats, finishing 2018 and 2019 on the injured list. Senzel has seen his fair share of freak injuries over the past two seasons as well, including two bouts with vertigo.

Where Winker struggled against left-handers in 2019, Phillip Ervin absolutely dismantled them to the tune of .349/.411/.628 with 4 doubles, 4 triples, 4 home runs and 13 RBIs. Having a skilled hitter like Ervin, who can play all three outfield spots would be a fantastic option late in games.

When the games shift an American League park for interleague play, take your pick of who’d suit up as the Reds designated hitter. With the subpar defense of both Winker and Castellanos, either one would be a prime candidate, while Aquino could fill in admirably in right field.

A trade could be very likely if Nicholas Castellanos signs with the Cincinnati Reds. In fact, I think it’s the right move. A player like Jesse Winker could fetch the Reds a nice return, and Nick Senzel packaged with a prospect or two could land Cincinnati a rising star. However, just because the Reds sign Castellanos, doesn’t mean a trade is a must.