Nick Castellanos has a decision to make this offseason. The Cincinnati Reds outfielder has the ability to opt-out of the last two seasons of his contract, leaving two years and $34 million on the table. Add in the concerns about the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, and that is a large amount of cash to walk away from.
It is not a surprise that Castellanos himself is uncertain about what to do. He says that he has not made up his mind about whether or not to exercise his opt out clause, re-entering free agency n search of a more lucrative contract.
Nick Castellanos has not yet had any discussions or made any decisions on whether he will opt out of his contract this offseason. pic.twitter.com/VGxEVALALZ
— Bally Sports Cincinnati (@BallySportsCIN) October 3, 2021
Nick Castellanos should opt out of Cincinnati Reds deal
Despite those questions about the upcoming CBA, and how he may feel about the Reds, this should be an easy decision for Castellanos. He should opt out of that contract, as he is seemingly assured of receiving far more money on the open market than he will if he honors those final two years.
Castellanos would also be entering free agency in a great spot. At 29 years old, he still has several years of his prime left. He has also put together a career season, hitting 34 homers and 37 doubles while driving in exactly 100 runs. Plenty of teams would be willing to open the checkbook for that type of middle of the order presence.
This does not necessarily mean that Castellanos would not return to the Reds. Should he opt out, there is no question that he will receive a Qualifying Offer, which is expected to be worth approximately $20 million. He could accept that one year deal and use that to put together a long term contract to stay in Cincinnati.
In any other season, this would not be a question. Castellanos would exercise that opt out clause, receiving far more money on the open market. However, due to that expiring CBA, Castellanos is weighing his options. In this case, it should not be that long of a debate, even with that uncertainty.
Nick Castellanos is uncertain about whether or not he should opt out of his contract with the Cincinnati Reds. This should not be much of a debate.