Former Reds outfielder Nick Castellanos has a new suitor

It appears that the Nick Castellanos saga may soon be coming to an end. According to Jayson Stark of The Athletic, the former Cincinnati Reds outfielder is being pursued by the Philadelphia Phillies and the two sides are in serious talks.

Castellanos played the past two seasons in Cincinnati, but opted out of the final two years of the four-year deal that he signed prior to the 2020 season. Castellanos went to his first All-Star Game and led the Reds in RBIs last season.

Former Reds OF Nick Castellanos being pursued by the Phillies.

If Nick Castellanos signs with the Philadelphia Phillies, it'll add a big bat to an already impressive lineup. Last year's MVP Bryce Harper already resides in right field, so one would assume that Castellanos would be the team's primary DH.

The Phillies signed Kyle Schwarber, yes, the Middletown native, to a four-year/$79M contract earlier this week. The Phillies also have Rhys Hoskins playing first base. The 29-year-old blasted 27 round trippers last season.

Adding Castellanos would certainly help the Philadelphia Phillies keep pace with the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves. Both ball clubs made big improvements this offseason despite the fact the defending champs lost Freddie Freeman to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Atlanta traded for Oakland's first baseman Matt Olson and signed him to longterm extension.

In the end, no matter where Nick Castellanos ends up, you can be sure it won't be with the Cincinnati Reds. General manager Nick Krall has already said that the team has not had any conversations with Castellanos' representatives, and with all the trades the Redlegs made earlier this week, I can't see the Silver Slugger Award-winner returning to the Queen City in 2022.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network also mentions the Miami Marlins, Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres as potential landing spots for Castellanos. No matter where he ends up, the slugger is sure to do damage and will find a comfortable spot in the middle of the batting order.