Report: Reds Have Emerged as Frontrunner to Sign Nicholas Castellanos

The Cubs may eventually have the wherewithal to compete with big spenders like the Reds, but until that day comes you may want to get used to Cincy landing big free agents. Potential Cubs target Shogo Akiyama has already inked a deal and now MLB.com’s Jon Morosi is reporting the the Reds “have emerged as the frontrunner” to sign Nicholas Castellanos. Morosi added that, while the two sides have made progress toward a deal, the Giants remain in the mix as well.

This is a better potential outcome than seeing Castellanos in a Cardinals uniform, but having him in the division is suboptimal. In addition to Akiyama, the Reds added Mike Moustakas earlier this winter as they look to compete in a division that appears to be up for grabs. Looking at them as the Central bottom-feeder of the last few seasons would be a bad idea.

Though nothing is certain until a deal is done, it’s probably time to stop pining for a Dexter Fowler-ish reunion in which Castellanos strolls into Sloan Park a few days after camp opens.