Reds Reportedly Interested in Former Rival Outfielders Marcell Ozuna and Nicholas Castellanos
By Scott Rogust
After a fourth-place finish in the NL Central, the Cincinnati Reds are looking to spend some big money in free agency on some former division rival outfielders.
According to MLB reporter Jon Morosi, the Reds are targeting a pair of outfielders this winter: Marcell Ozuna of the St. Louis Cardinals and Nicholas Castellanos of the Chicago Cubs.
#Reds interested in Nicholas Castellanos and Marcell Ozuna as free-agent outfield market begins to take shape. (@dgoold was first to link Ozuna with Cincinnati.) More details here: https://t.co/ByeHgWWRUk @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 14, 2019
The Reds saw firsthand the power that both Ozuna and Castellanos can provide to an MLB team. Morosi indicates that Cincinnati's reasoning in pursuing both outfielders is that they ranked 12th in the National League in runs scored.
St. Louis acquired Ozuna back in 2017 during the Miami Marlins fire sale under partial owner Derek Jeter. After a strong first season, Ozuna's batting average dropped from .280 to .243. Yet, Ozuna showcased his power with 29 home runs and 89 RBIs.
Latest On Nicholas Castellanos, Marcell Ozuna https://t.co/IwyjeueV4A pic.twitter.com/wqSi65RCGV
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) November 14, 2019
Chicago acquired Castellanos at the trade deadline in order to put a hot bat into their lineup. The former Detroit Tiger proved to be the Cubs' most consistent hitter in his stint in the Windy City. In 51 games with Chicago, Castellanos recorded a .321 batting average, 16 home runs and 36 RBIs.
The Reds would greatly benefit from the additions of both outfielders, especially in their goal of emerging from the cellar of the NL Central.