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

1. Nick Castellanos can opt out of his contract with the Reds next season.

Not only does Nick Castellanos have the ability to opt out of his current contract after the completion of the 2020 season, but Castellanos can also opt out of his contract following the 2021 season as well. Who knows what the free agent landscape is going to look like following thee pandemic-shortened season?

Owners throughout Major League Baseball are likely to be tightening their belts as the offseason begins. Don’t be shocked to see several general managers looking to unload big contracts, even if certain players are still performing at a high level. The coronavirus pandemic cut the 2020 season from 162 games to 60.

Not only that, but there were no fans in attendance all season. Each owner is missing out on gate revenue from 81 games, not to mention merchandise sales, concessions and advertising. The financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic have been felt all across the world, and I believe we’re going to see it reflected in the sports world as well.

Nick Castellanos has $14M reasons to return to the Cincinnati Reds next season. That’s nothing to sneeze at, especially in this economy. If I were Castellanos, I’d be completely happy to take my check for the upcoming 2021 season and enter the free agent market the following winter.

Following the 2021 season, Castellanos will no longer be able to opt out of his deal. However, it’s not as if the contract he signed with the Reds last offseason offers Castellanos a raw deal. If Castellanos does not opt out after next season, Cincinnati still owes the right-handed slugger $16M in both 2022 and 2023 with a $2M buyout in 2024.