The latest figures published by MLB Trade Rumors will only fuel the fire of those clamoring for Cincinnati Reds owner Bob Castellini to sell the team. Castellini's net worth ranks dead-last among all Major League Baseball principle owners.
According to the LA Times, Castellini, who purchased the Reds from Carl Lindner Jr. in 2006 for $270M, has a net worth of $400M. The current franchise valuation is $1.075B, for a value appreciation of 298%. The 29th richest owner in the league is Miami's head honcho, Bruce Sherman who's net worth is listed at $500M.
Reds owner, Bob Castellini, ranks last among MLB owners in net worth.
A former minority owner of both the St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, and Baltimore Orioles, Bob Castellini made his millions after inheriting a produce wholesale company which was founded by his grandfather back in the 19th century.
Castellini, now 80 years old, is the chairman of Castellini Co. and also the Chief Executive Officer of the Cincinnati Reds. Bob Castellini's son, Phil Castellini, is currently the Reds President and Chief Operating Officer.
Under Castellini's ownership, the Cincinnati Reds became winners again in 2010, capturing their first division title since 1995. The Reds would go to the postseason again in 2012 and 2013, but until the pandemic-shortened 2020, had missed the playoffs.
Entering this offseason, it's unclear if the Reds owner is intent on rebuilding once again, or just retooling the roster. Cincinnati parted ways with long time catcher Tucker Barnhart and waived last year's best starter Wade Miley.
The team appears content to allow their best hitter from a year ago, Nick Castellanos, find a new home for the 2022 season. The front office has spoken about aligning their payroll to their resources, and have been shopping pitchers Luis Castillo, Sonny Gray, and Tyler Mahle this offseason.
The penny-pinching Bob Castellini went all-in during the 2019-20 offseason, trading for Trevor Bauer during the previous season and signing free agents Miley, Castellanos, Shogo Akiyama, and Mike Moustakas.
Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the 2020 season, and while the Cincinnati Reds reached the postseason for the first time since 2013, they bowed out after just two games. Since then, it seems to be all about slashing payroll. Reds fans don't have a lot of hope that the trend is going to change anytime