Reds slugger Nick Castellanos reportedly opts out of his contract

In a move that should surprise absolutely no one, MLB insider Jon Heyman is reporting that Nick Castellanos opted out of his contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

Castellanos had two years and $34M remaining on his deal, but will instead become a free agent a hope to sign a more lucrative contract this offseason.

Reds slugger Nick Castellanos reportedly opted out of his contract.

This was all but expected. Nick Castellanos was in the MVP conversation for the majority of the 2021 season and was a key piece of a Reds team that was in contention for the final Wild Card spot in the NL until the final week of the season.

Castellanos posted a .309/.362/.576 slash line and blasted 34 home runs. Castellanos also led the Cincinnati Reds in RBIs with 100; the second time he's eclipsed the century-mark in his career.

So, with this formality behind us, the question is no longer will Nick Castellanos opt out of contract, but will the Reds attempt to re-sign the 29-year-old.

My inclination in that the Reds will make an attempt to re-sign their right fielder. However, I don't expect Cincinnati's front office to get into a bidding war for Castellanos' services.

Let's not forget that Castellanos is represented by Scott Boras, one of the most powerful and influential sports agents in the world.

The Cincinnati Reds cleared $7.5M off their books by trading Tucker Barnhart on Wednesday. The Reds longtime backstop was dealt to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for a minor league third baseman.

It would likely take a few more moves like that in order for the Reds to make a competitive offer for Nick Castellanos. If Cincinnati could shed the contracts of players like Sonny Gray and/ or Wade Miley, perhaps the Reds could bring Castellanos back to the Queen City.

Nick Castellanos could sign nine-figure deal this winter. Will the Reds invest that type of money or just extend a qualifying offer and take the draft compensation? We'll have to wait and see.