Earlier this week there was speculation that came out regarding a former Cincinnati Reds slugger, Nick Castellanos, that he would either be traded or released by the Philadelphia Phillies organization this offseason following a really uninspiring 2025 season both offensively and defensively. Could a reunion with the Cincinnati Reds Be on the cusp?
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Nick Castellanos 2025 Season
As we mentioned above, his 2025 was very uninspiring. Also included in what’s to be considered uninspiring is his remaining contract, should the Phillies opt to release him. He’s owed another $20,000,000 in 2026, and that is a hefty payday for someone with a 90 wRC+ for the year, and for someone who doesn’t play great defense, and didn’t hit LHP.
Stop the negativity, Nick Castellanos has been one of the most consistent bats for the most part, especially against LHP, and he loved his time in Cincinnati. It’s certainly possible that he would entertain coming back should the Phillies end up releasing him, for a cheaper “prove it deal” as he’s 33 years old and on the backend of his career. Would he accept a platoon role? Hmm.
Castellanos Reunion in Cincinnati
How can it happen? Well, one thing I can say with certainty, the Reds won’t TRADE for Castellanos, that’s for sure. They will only be players for him if he ends up released. Now, some people would look at the back of his baseball card and deem him unworthy of consideration. I don’t agree.
In Great American Ballpark historically, Nick Castellanos, in 120 games, has slashed .301/.355/.599/.954 with 28 2Bs and 35 HRs. Most of these were relatively recent as well. Yes, he struggled this season, but that doesn’t mean he’ll struggle again, especially if he’s back having to ‘prove it.’ He has a lifetime slashline against LHP .294/.344/.509/.853 as well with 76 HRs. It’s genuinely a no brainer to seek his services again if you’re the Reds.
What role would Castellanos be in?
He would definitely be a platoon bat, which is what he served as in PHI for quite a bit of 2025. And he would have to be accepting of that in Cincinnati, should he be entertained. My bold prediction is Nick going back home to FL and signing with the Miami Marlins for 3/$48M.
The reality is, Nick Castellanos was one of the smartest free agency signings of the Cincinnati Reds free agency shenanigans in history. He served the Reds well and did exactly as they needed him to do — MASH. There’s no reason he can’t do it again and provide some vet presence. I think his personality and Francona’s would mesh as well.
