Cincinnati Reds: Nicholas Castellanos makes right move by not opting out

By doing nothing, Cincinnati Reds outfielder Nicholas Castellanos has made the right move.

Nicholas Castellanos signed an interesting contract with the Cincinnati Reds last offseason. On the surface, it was a four year deal worth $64 million, with a mutual option for 2024. However, he had the option to opt out of the deal after the first season if he wanted to enter free agency once again.

On the surface, this would be an easy decision to make. Castellanos had a respectable season in the power department, with 14 homers and 11 doubles in his 242 plate appearances, but he struggled otherwise. He posted a .225/.298/.486 batting line, drawing 19 walks and striking out 69 times.

Not only would Castellanos be entering the market on the heels of a rough season, but he would be doing so in what may be a quiet offseason. Teams have posted record losses due to not having fans in the stands. Free agency may not be the pleasant journey most players envision.

Given those circumstances, it is not a surprise that Castellanos would want to stay put. He has not notified the Reds that he will be opting out, locking him into place through the 2023 season. For Cincinnati, that decision will remove at least one area off their offseason shopping list, albeit at a relatively high price.

But there is a chance that this decision will work out well for both sides. Over his previous four seasons, Castellanos had averaged a .286/.336/.504 batting line, with 24 homers and 41 doubles. The Reds would certainly take those numbers over the next three seasons.

Likewise, the 2020 season was difficult for many players. Even superstars felt the effects, producing substandard seasons that were difficult to watch. It took some time for players to feel comfortable during the year. Some, like Castellanos, seemingly never did.

But a normal offseason and spring training could make a major difference. Having the season paused for three months, and just three weeks to get ready, took a toll. Castellanos can still be the player the Reds need, potentially as soon as next year.

Fortunately, they will get the chance to see if that will happen. Nicholas Castellanos has decided not to exercise his opt-out clause, keeping him with the Cincinnati Reds through 2023 at least.