The Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a contract with outfielder Adolis Garcia on Monday. MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today believes the signing means Nick Castellanos will indeed be traded ahead of the 2026 season. Castellanos had already been mentioned as a trade candidate -- and the Cincinnati Reds could be a suitor (more on that later) -- but Nightengale is confident that the Garcia signing is a defining moment when it comes to Castellanos' Phillies future. 

"Just in case there was any doubt at all that Nick Castellanos won't be returning to the Phillies, they just handed his starting right field to Adolis Garcia on his one-year, $10 million deal. Castellanos is owed $20 million in 2026," Nightengale wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Castellanos has one year remaining on his contract with the Phillies. The Reds were rumored to be interested in Kyle Schwarber before he returned to the Phillies. Castellanos doesn't offer as much upside, but he's a fairly similar player from a positional standpoint, offering the ability to play a corner outfield spot, first base, and DH. 

Should the Reds consider a potential reunion with Castellanos?

Castellanos, 33, began his big league career in 2013 with the Detroit Tigers. He would play in Detroit until 2019 before ending up in Chicago with the Cubs. Following his brief time in Chicago, Castellanos joined the Reds and spent the 2020 and 2021 seasons in Cincinnati before landing in Philadelphia in 2022.

He's played with the Phillies ever since, but a return to Cincinnati could make sense for both Castellanos and the Reds.

Castellanos -- who made his first career All-Star team with the Reds in 2021 -- still has productivity left in the tank. His numbers have dwindled in recent seasons, but he's still a right-handed bat with power. Castellanos sometimes gets lost in the deep Phillies lineup, but he could receive a more notable role with the Reds.

For Cincinnati, bringing in Castellanos would give them a veteran leader. They feature a number of young and talented players, but veteran prowess is never a bad thing to have. Between his power at the plate and leadership, Castellanos would boost the Reds overall roster. 

Regardless of whether or not he ends up back in Cincinnati, it does seem that the Phillies are ready to move on from Castellanos. The Reds should at least consider pursuing a trade for the veteran slugger, however.