Reds and Rangers Reportedly Still Bidding for Nicholas Castellanos
By Ian Anderson
Two teams are reportedly in a bidding war for this coveted free agent outfielder.
Both the Cincinnati Reds and the Texas Rangers are bidding for former Chicago Cubs' outfielder Nicholas Castellanos. The longtime Detroit Tiger remains one of the best players left on the market and at only 27 years of age his addition would greatly benefit both these clubs.
Reds, who have already had a big winter, remain a player for Nick Castellanos. Rangers among others in.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 23, 2020
Castellanos had a fantastic season for the Cubs and Detroit Tigers last year, with a batting average of .289 to go with 27 home runs in 151 plate appearances. He would make an instant impact to both the Reds and Rangers, as both teams hope to make a 2020 playoff push despite the odds against them.
Cincinnati, for one, could make a serious push for the NL Central crown in 2020 as well as put a dagger in the hearts of Cubs' fans by signing Castellanos.
Nicholas Castellanos tore it up in Chicago.#Tigers Stats
— The Fantasy Jones (@TheFantasyJones) January 22, 2020
.273/.328/.462
11 HR in 100 G#Cubs Stats
.321/.356/.646
16 HR in 51 G
Castellanos remains unsigned. Will he continue mashing in Chicago, or will he join a new team?#FantasyBaseball pic.twitter.com/oLblXxIiYf
It feels odd that a player of Castellanos' age and quality remains unsigned this late into free agency. The Cubs remain open to his return, but seem unwilling to make a legitimate offer, instead waiting on Castellanos' price to come down.
With spring training just around the corner, the Cubs are running out of time, and risk losing one of their better hitters to a division rival.