Former fan favorite would fill the outfield void, but Reds should avoid a reunion

The Cincinnati Reds need some help. This past season, the Reds showed that they are a bit weak in the outfield, and should probably shop around for someone to fill that void this winter. Spencer Steer was solid, and was arguably the club's best outfielder — although his numbers dipped during his sophomore season following a marvelous rookie effort in 2023.

TJ Friedl took some time to find his footing after missing half the season due to thumb and hamstring injuries, while both Jake Fraley and Rece Hinds proved that they cannot be considered everyday players if Cincinnati intends to chase after a division title in 2025.

As the offseason transactions heat up, the Reds could consider bringing back a former player. As enticing at it might be, it's probably not worth the investment in the long run.

Though tempting, Reds should avoid reunion with former fan favorite Nick Castellanos

Might the Reds look to reunite with former outfielder Nick Castellanos? After going to the All-Star Game and winning a Silver Slugger Award in 2021, Castellanos used his career-best season to land a $100 million-deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Castellanos has maintained his production with a bat and even played in all 162 games with the Phillies this season. The slugger smacked 30 doubles, scored 80 runs, and went 7-for-17 during the 2024 National League Division Series against the New York Mets.

All of this sounds great, right? Castellanos is rumored to be on the trade block and is still beloved by Reds fans. A potential trade for Castellanos would bring a consistent bat to the middle of the Reds lineup; driving in guys like Elly De La Cruz, Jonathan India and Matt McLain.

While this idea is fun to fantasize about, there are some red flags. Castellanos will turn 33 years old this coming March on the heels of firing his agent, Scott Boras, and opting to represent himself. That's not to say that Castellanos wouldn't be productive next year, but if the Reds trade for him, they would also have to absorb the $40 million he is owed over the next two seasons.

That's a hefty price to pay for a player who is unfortunately exiting his prime years on the diamond, all while playing poor defense. Despite playing in 162 games this past season and amassing 57 extra-base hits, Castellanos fWAR was 0.4. His defensive numbers are that inhibiting, and sadly, it makes him much less valuable.

The Reds have plenty of questions to answer this offseason. It's still unclear how they will navigate the market, but Reds fans remain hopeful that something positive will happen. If Castellanos is in the mix of returning, his value may only be short-lived.

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