Cincinnati Reds: Ranking the free agent signings this offseason

2. Nick Castellanos, Outfielder

Four-year/$64M deal

Ranking Nick Castellanos ahead of Shogo Akiyama was difficult, but without knowing exactly how Akiyama’s game will translate to the major league level, I think it’s fair. We all know how Castellanos’ abilities translate. Last season, Castellanos led all of Major League Baseball with 58 doubles. The 27-year-old also launched 27 homers in 2019 as well.

Now, Castellanos brings some question marks. Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first. Yes, Castellanos’ defense is suspect at best. However, after making the switch to right field from third base, Castellanos went from -19 defensive runs scored in 2018 to -9 DRS in 2019. In the same way we discussed Akiyama earlier, if Castellanos rakes like he’s capable of, no one will bat an eye.

Okay, let’s discuss the contract. This is the biggest reason that Castellanos is sitting at No. 2 and not No. 1. Castellanos signed for the same number as fellow free agent signee Mike Moustakas. However, as part of Castellanos’ four-year/$64M contract, the right-handed slugger has the ability to opt out after both the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

That shouldn’t scare fans away, in fact, it gives Nick Castellanos great incentive to outperform his contract. Honestly, the biggest drawback to Castellanos may be the spike in production we saw once he joined the Cubs. In 51 games with Chicago, Castellanos slashed .321/.356/.646 with 16 of his 27 homers coming after his trade to the Windy City.

Is that the version of Nick Castellanos Reds Country is going to see, or are we more likely to see the player that put up a .783 OPS until the final two months of the 2019 season? Regardless, the signing of Castellanos is a net-positive for the Reds. Look for Castellanos to be a force in the middle of the Reds lineup.