Cincinnati Reds: 3 reasons why Nick Castellanos should return in 2021

Reds right fielder Nick Castellanos can opt out of his contract.

There’s guarded optimism among the Cincinnati Reds faithful that last year’s prized free agent signing Nick Castellanos will return in 2021. The right-handed slugger has the opportunity to opt out of his current four-year contract and enter free agency this winter. That may not be the wisest choice for Castellanos this offseason.

Nick Castellanos shocked the baseball world last offseason when he signed a four-year/$64M contract with the Reds. The Cincinnati front office, who were looking for offensive upgrades last winter, landed one of the biggest names on the open market. Castellanos, who was sought after by several teams, was the icing on the cake after several other free agent signings last offseason.

Reds Country was initially ecstatic with the signing, but as details of the contract came out, the enthusiasm turned to worry. Castellanos’ contract allows for the 28-year-old to opt for free agency following the 2020 and 2021 seasons. If Castellanos decides to stay with Cincinnati next season, his base salary will be $14M according to Spotrac.

Aside from Trevor Bauer’s entrance into free agency, what Castellanos does in terms of his contract will probably garner the most attention of the Reds faithful this offseason. While the debate may rage on until a decision must be made, here are three reasons why Nick Castellanos should return to the Cincinnati Reds in 2021.