Nick Castellanos is one of many free agents left on the market now that the MLB lockout has officially ended. The slugger is also coming off a tremendous campaign with the Cincinnati Reds, hitting .309 with 34 homers and 100 RBI's. That being said, Castellanos will certainly be looking for a hefty payday in free agency and there are a variety of different ballclubs who could use his bat and defense in right field.
Here are 3 destinations for Nick Castellanos.
3 Free Agency Destinations For Nick Castellanos
The Giants are fresh off a tremendous season where they won the National League West with an MLB best 107-55 record and put themselves back in the playoff picture. Unfortunately, their World Series aspirations ended in the first round against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but nonetheless, this team has a promising core.
The fit here makes total sense. Castellanos played extremely well in 2021 and so did the Giants. Plus, it looks like they're probably not going to retain Kris Bryant, who played a variety of different positions, most notably in the outfield. Nick Castellanos can step in and play every day for a contender while giving the lineup another impact bat. The Giants previously had an interest in him prior to the lockout as well and they have some money to spend.
There were high expectations for the Padres in 2021 but thanks to injuries and inconsistencies at the plate and on the mound, San Diego didn't even make the postseason. Sure, they do play in a very competitive division but nonetheless, this team is built to contend and it isn't happening.
Nick Castellanos would give them an upgrade offensively after the Padres hit just .242 as a team last season and ranked 23rd in the big leagues with only 180 home runs. His ability to hit for power and average could make this lineup that much better. While San Diego's outfield is pretty set already with Jurickson Profar, Wil Myers, and Trent Grisham, it certainly doesn't hurt to add another piece. Also, with the universal DH coming in 2022, they could strictly use Castellanos as a hitter.
Same with the Giants, the Padres were keen on Castellanos prior to the lockout. This would be a viable move for a team that needs another offensive punch.
The White Sox impressed in '21 but fell short in the playoffs. They also have a gaping hole in right field. Enter Nick Castellanos. The slugger is already familiar with Chicago after spending the second half of 2019 with the Cubs, where he really swung it well. This time, he comes to the South Side. Tony La Russa's squad only hit 190 long balls last season, which ranked 19th in the Majors. Castellanos would instantly give them another power bat after a career year with the Reds.
Adam Eaton is frankly not the solution for Chicago in RF. He's aging and not the same player he once used to be. Don't get me wrong, this team has a very solid core of talent with Tim Beckham, Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert, and others. But they need to make moves in order to get over that hump. Two years in a row the White Sox have made the playoffs and exited in the early stages. Grab a guy like Nick Castellanos who can immediately help. Plus, Chicago has the money to make this work.
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