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Nick Castellanos has opted out of his contract with the Reds and will enter free agency this offseason, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. Castellanos had two years and $34 million remaining on his contract, and was originally signed through 2023, with a mutual option for 2024. The Reds are expected to make Castellanos a qualifying offer next, which will likely be declined. The 29-year-old outfielder hit a career-high 34 home runs in 2021, and also established a career high in batting average (.309), on-base percentage (.362), slugging percentage (.576), and finally, OPS (.939). Elected an All-Star by the fans, Castellanos posted strong numbers to finish the season, finishing with a splendid 140 wRC+ accompanied by a .309/.362/.576 triple-slash line including 95 runs scored, 38 doubles, one triple, and 100 RBI.
With the designated hitter likely coming to the National League, Castellanos has an especially strong appeal and should do well in free agency as he seeks a lengthier contract with higher value. Castellanos will turn 30 next year, and offers some great contact and power, evident in his .340 BABIP and .267 ISO in 2021. His strikeout rate (20.7%) is below the league average, and also has an above-average walk rate (7%). Castellanos did suffer a microfracture in his left wrist after being hit by a pitch back in July, but he missed minimal time, skipped a minor league rehab assignment and jumped right back into the swing of things, posting an .894 OPS post-injury, including 16 home runs.
Defense-wise, Castellanos is regarded as a below-average defender in the outfield, though he’s improved greatly since his days playing a great deal of third base and right field in Detroit. His DRS (defensive runs saved) in right field in 2021 stands at -7, not too far removed from his best career defense played in 2020, where he had a -4 DRS during the shortened season. Outs above average (-6) and outfielder jump don’t offer much advantage either, as he’s in the lower percentiles in those categories. He would be still a viable upgrade to any lineup given he has experience in both corner outfield positions, or ideally, slugging away as a designated hitter.
The Houston Astros have picked up Yuli Gurriel’s $8 million club option. Gurriel himself joyfully announced through his Twitter account that he’ll be back in Houston for the 2022 season. Gurriel finished the season with a .319 average, good enough to earn him the American League batting title. The 37-year-old was rather impressive in the ALDS versus the Red Sox, racking up a 1.156 OPS including four runs scored, a double, a home run, a stolen base, and six RBI.
Brett Gardner will hit free agency after he and the Yankees declined mutual options for 2022. The 38-year-old Gardner had spent the prior 14 seasons in a Yankee uniform. It’s also the second consecutive offseason the Yankees have declined Gardner’s option. He came back to the Yankees after a few months in free agency last offseason, with a contract paying him a $2.85 million salary in 2021 with a $2.3 million player option for 2022. The Yankees could have exercised a $7.15 million club option; instead, Gardner will take a $1.15 million buyout. Though Gardner struck out less than average, and had an impressive 13% walk rate, he posted a less-than-inspiring .689 OPS with 10 home runs, 39 RBI, and four stolen bases.
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Quick Hits
Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports that Charlie Blackmon has exercised his player option for 2022 to remain with the Rockies. ... Mets reinstated INF Robinson Canó from the restricted list...Andrew Chafin declined his half of a $5.25 million mutual option with the Athletics for 2022. ... Avisail Garcia declined his part of a $12 million mutual option with the Brewers for 2022. ... Athletics declined their $4 million club option on Jake Diekman for 2022. ... Cardinals declined their $17 million club option on Carlos Martinez for 2022. ... Jon Heyman of MLB Network confirms that Cleveland will exercise its $12 million club option on Jose Ramirez for 2022.
