After a key free agency decision Thursday, could the Philadelphia Phillies have a new target.
According to MLB Network‘s Jon Heyman, Cincinnati Reds right fielder Nick Castellanos exercised the opt-out clause in his contract. Castellanos had two years and $34 million remaining on his contract, but will now look for a more lucrative deal.
First, the Reds figure to extend a one-year/$18.4 million qualifying offer, which Castellanos is likely to decline. That would allow Castellanos to become a free agent, but assure that the Reds recoup draft compensation if he departs.
Castellanos, a nine-year veteran, was one of the better hitters in baseball in 2021.