Reds just found new leverage following Phillies deal for Adolis Garcia

When the Texas Rangers released Adolis Garcia earlier this offseason, many Cincinnati Reds fans assumed he'd be the perfect fit for a roster that was lacking any semblance of power in 2025. The Reds ranked 21st in both home runs and slugging percentage, and if there's one thing Garcia brings to the table it's loud contact.

But the Philadelphia Phillies saw the upside as well, and seeking to add some pop to the middle of their batting order, signed Garcia to a one-year, $10 million deal. So much for that free agent fit, huh Reds fans?

But while Garcia is off the board, another slugger may now be within the Reds' reach. With Garcia expected to take over in right field for the Phillies, Nick Castellanos is as good as gone. There were already rumors suggesting he was going to be traded this offseason, but the Phillies deal for Garcia will only intensify Philadelphia's desire to cut bait with the former All-Star slugger.

Reds just found new leverage in trade talks for Nick Castellanos following Phillies deal for Adolis Garcia

Last season, Castellanos had a bit of a falling out with manager Rob Thomson and the Phillies organization as a whole. He struggled mightily, hitting just .250/.294/.400, but is still owed $20 million of the five-year, $100 million deal he inked after leaving Cincinnati in 2021.

Castellanos spent two seasons in the Queen City and quickly became a fan-favorite. After a down-year in 2020, Castellanos put up the best numbers of his career in 2021, went to his first ever All-Star Game, and earned the Silver Slugger Award. His performance that season (.309/.362/.576 with 34 home runs and 100 RBI) paved the way for him to sign that mega-deal with Philly.

Castellanos' defense has been questioned throughout his career, but last season represented one of the worst defensive performances ever. Castellanos was worth -11 defensive runs saved (DRS) and -12 outs above average (OAA). But with Noelvi Marte having moved to right field midway through the 2025 season, if the Reds were to strike a deal for Castellanos, he'd likely see the majority of his playing time as the team's DH.

Any deal the Reds might look to make for Castellanos would also have to include a large amount of cash. There's no way Cincinnati would be willing to pay the $20 million remaining on his current deal, and the prospect return Philadelphia can expect in a return is likely to be scant.

As the Reds search for a big-time bat this offseason, one they're very familiar with just became much more likely to be moved. Whether or not the Reds are interested, however, is a different story entirely. Provided the financials make sense and no top prospects are included, it's hard to imagine much negative reaction to a deal that would bring Castellanos back to Cincy.