Phillies' roster conundrum could thrust Reds into trade talks for former All-Star

The Philadelphia Phillies fell well short of their goals in 2024. A team that was poised to make a run at the World Series bowed out far too early, and Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is looking to bolster Philadelphia's roster this offseason.

The Phillies are said to be looking to upgrade the outfield, and though they have been loosely linked to Juan Soto, Philadelphia may not be the highest bidder once the All-Star outfielder is ready to sign on the dotted line. There've been some who assume that Bryce Harper would move back to the outfield, but according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, that's not on the table.

If the Phillies miss out on Soto, don't expect Dombrowski to just take his ball and go home. The Phillies' top decision-maker will likely turn his attention to Anthony Santander or Teoscar Hernandez. But where does that leave former Cincinnati Reds' outfielder Nick Castellanos? Might the Reds entertain a trade with the Phillies that would bring the slugger back to the Queen City?

Phillies' roster conundrum could thrust Reds into trade talks for former All-Star

Castellanos had arguably his best season ever while suiting for the Reds in 2021. After opting in to second year of the four-year deal he signed prior to the 2020 season, Castellanos put up career-numbers in 2021. He hit .309/.362/.576 with 38 doubles, 34 home runs, and 100 RBI. Castellanos was named a starter for the All-Star Game that year and finished 12th in the NL MVP race.

The Phillies are said to be shopping Castellanos. The 32-year-old has endured some tough seasons of late. Though he went to his second All-Star Game in 2023, Castellanos has combined to hit .263/.309/.435 over the past three seasons and has one of the worst chase rates in the baseball.

Castellanos also plays sub-par defense. Last season, the veteran was worth -8 outs above average and has posted -23 OAA during his first three seasons in Philly. Castellanos also has two years and $40 million left on his current deal, which would be quite the commitment for the small market Reds.

But you're not trading for Castellanos because of his glove. Castellanos' carrying tool has always been his bat. He's recorded 20 or more home runs in three of the past four seasons and has twice eclipsed 100 RBI. If the Reds are looking for a thumper in the middle of the lineup, adding Castellanos to the mix could be the answer.

The Phillies wouldn't just give Castellanos away for free, but if Cincy were willing to take on all of his remaining salary, a mid-tier prospect or two would probably do the trick. If the Reds preferred to have the Phillies pay down some of Castellanos' salary, the trade package could be a bit heftier. Either way, the Reds have the means to make this type of trade, and it could help to solve one of the club's biggest voids on the roster — a right-handed hitting outfielder with power.

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