4 distractions around the league the Reds could exploit before spring training

The Cincinnati Reds will be headed to Goodyear in a couple of weeks, but the roster still feels incomplete. Though Nick Krall and the front office have done a fine job reworking the bullpen, the lineup has gone mostly untouched despite finishing in the bottom-third of the league in both home runs and slugging.

But the Reds have a cohesive unit and good team chemistry — which is more than some other organizations can say. Sometimes, clashes between players and management create untenable situations in the clubhouse. On other occasions, a team's aggressive offseason moves can create a logjam on the roster — Reds fans experienced this with Jonathan India after the 2023 season.

When these types of situations occur, teams typically like to rid themselves of such distractions before the players arrive for spring training. As such, it's possible for rival clubs to use a team's self-imposed deadline against them. Could the Reds help remove a distraction from another team while at the same time upgrade their roster? Let's look at four examples.

Nick Castellanos and three other distractions around the league the Reds could exploit

Nick Castellanos, Phillies outfielder

Nick Castellanos and Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson had a falling out last season, and it's almost a guarantee that the slugger won't be on the roster by the time spring training gets underway next month. Castellanos is heading into the final year of a five-year deal, and even if the Phillies are able to trade him, they'll likely have to pay almost all of his $20 million salary.

Dave Dombrowski is practically begging teams to take Castellanos off their hands, and the Reds should at least inquire about the price. Cincinnati may be able to ship a low-level prospect to Philly for Castellanos and $18 million in cash. If he's willing to take on the role of a part-time designated hitter, a reunion with the former All-Star could be on the docket.

Ryan Mountcastle, Orioles infielder

After the Baltimore Orioles signed Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million deal, Ryan Mountcastle's chances of staying in the Charm City all but evaporated. The Orioles made the curious decision, however, to tender a contract to Mountcastle. More over, the deal isn't just for the 2026 season, but includes a team-option for 2027 as well.

It's doubtful that Baltimore wants to carry Mountcastle into spring training with Alonso, Coby Mayo, and Samuel Basallo on the roster. Mountcastle is coming off his worst season in the big leagues, but posted in collective .260/.312/.447 slash line from 2021-2024. The Reds could look to the 28-year-old to bring some much needed pop to the lineup.

Joey Loperfido, Blue Jays outfielder

The Toronto Blue Jays had a logjam in the outfield before the offseason began, but after signing Kazuma Okamoto from Japan, the roster is even more cluttered than before. Daulton Varsho, George Springer, Davis Schneider, Anthony Santander, and Addison Barger will all be battling for playing time next season, and there's virtually no room left for Joey Loperfido.

The former Houston Astros prospect doesn't have much Major League experience, but there's plenty to like about the .879 OPS he posted in fewer than 100 at-bats last season. The Reds don't necessarily need another left-handed hitting outfielder, but Loperfido has a career .843 OPS in the minors and 59 home runs. It shouldn't take much to pry the 26-year-old away from the Great White North.

Christian Walker, Astros infielder

Christian Walker is not a name that's generated much buzz throughout Reds Country, but maybe that could change. During his first season with the Houston Astros, Walker battled through an oblique injury early in camp, and his numbers never really recovered. The Astros have been shopping Walker this offseason, but they haven't found any takers yet.

The remaining two years and $40 million left on Walker's contract are an obvious sticking point, and unless Houston's willing to pay down at least half of his salary, there's no way he'll be moved before Opening Day. Despite a down-year, Walker still crushed 27 homers, and in the three years prior to his struggles with Houston, the veteran combined to hit .250/.332/.481 with a 121 wRC+ while playing Gold Glove caliber defense.