Former Reds All-Star has suddenly become the ultimate buy-low play this offseason

The Cincinanati Reds enter the offseason reeling from a sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the pitching staff can hold much of the blame for the Wild Card losses, Cincinnati’s lack of pop also kept the team out of games that quickly got out of control. If the Reds hope to return to the postseason in 2026 (and to produce a much different result), the team should start by reconnecting with an old favorite.

Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos may be on the trade block after a tumultuous second half. Bob Nightengale of USA Today suggested this week that not only will Philadelphia be shopping the slugger, the team could be willing to retain some of the $20 million due to Castellanos in the last year of his contract. The budget-minded Nick Krall should jump at the opportunity to pick up the former Red.

Nick Castellanos may be the best deal on the trade market and the Reds should act fast

Castellanos played for Cincinnati in 2020 and 2021 before signing his $100 million deal with the Phillies. While it’s unlikely that the Castellanos the Reds could get in 2025 would be anywhere near the version that clubbed 34 homers in 2021, his veteran presence, swagger, and potential for power would be welcome in the young Reds clubhouse.

Castellanos could even be a comeback candidate. He revealed a few weeks ago that he has been playing with patellar tendonitis since late July. That could explain the drop in exit velocity and bat speed. With an offseason of recovery and rehab under his belt, he could return to All-Star status.

Much about Castellanos' approach has not changed; he still pummels the ball at the right angle with regularity, but the power just hasn’t been enough to carry the ball out of the park. And it's not like he was historically bad this year; his 17 home runs would have ranked third in the Reds' lineup.

The Reds have plenty of prospects who could be used to get a deal done for Castellanos, and with Nick Martinez’s $20 million contract off the books, the team will have enough money to absorb the salary that Philly doesn’t cover. Instead of Reds fans focusing on Kyle Schwarber, whose acquisition always seemed like a pipe dream, it’s time for the Cincinnati faithful to welcome back a different Phillies outfielder.

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