This underrated veteran could replace Nick Castellanos in the Reds outfield

The Cincinnati Reds are likely to lose Nick Castellanos this offseason. If that happens, the front office may have to look outside the organization to replace his production.

Few players the Reds could sign during free agency will have the same type of impact as Nick Castellanos.

But with MLB Trade Rumors predicting that Castellanos will land a five-year/$115M contract, Cincinnati is likely to look for a cheaper replacement.

Tommy Pham could replace Nick Castellanos in the Reds OF.

Former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Tommy Pham is free agent this offseason, and could be a nice fit with the Cincinnati Reds.

Pham has spent the past two seasons with the San Diego Padres, but injuries hampered his 2020 campaign.

Over the past two seasons, Pham has hit .226/.335/.370 with a wRC+ of 97. Prior to 2020, Pham had a wRC+ of 105 or higher.

Pham's batting average has dropped significantly since 2019, but he's still able to maintain a relatively high on-base percentage, in part due to his 13.6% walk-rate.

The Cincinnati Reds outfield is likely to feature Jesse Winker in left field, but last year's All-Star is about the only sure thing the Redlegs have in the outfield heading into the offseason.

Nick Senzel ended the season on the IL, again. Tyler Naquin had a solid season, but is likely better suited as a platoon outfielder.

Shogo Akiyama will be entering the final year of his three-year deal, and you have to assume that Cincinnati would love to find a trade partner this winter for his $8M salary.

Aristides Aquino is still on the roster, and last year's rookie TJ Friedl played well, but is little more than a rotational outfielder.

None of Cincinnati's top-level outfield prospects will be ready to make the leap to the majors this season, meaning that the Reds need to find a veteran to offset the loss of Nick Castellanos.

Tommy Pham isn't a flashy name, but the 33-year-old led the majors in pinch hits (30) last season.

Pham has 33 career games under his belt at Great American Ball Park and a slash line of .366/.449/.505 with three home runs and 14 RBIs.

Pham took home $8.9M from the Padres last season, but it's hard to see the veteran receiving that kind of contract this winter.

Pham could take a one-year deal heading into the 2022 season and reestablish his value before next offseason.

If the Reds are looking for a lower cost veteran to replace Nick Castellanos, Tommy Pham should be in the running.