Reds' Nick Castellanos: Opts out, bound for free agency

Castellanos declined his $16 million player option Thursday, voiding the remaining two years left on his contract to become a free agent, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

In a move that was fully anticipated, Castellanos will pursue a more lucrative deal this winter on the open market, where he's expected to be one of the most sought-after hitters coming off a 2021 campaign in which he was named an All-Star starter while finishing with career-best marks in batting average (.309), on-base average (.362) and home runs (34). Before Castellanos officially becomes a free agent, the Reds are expected to extend him a one-year, $18.4 million qualifying offer, which he'll almost certainly decline.