NY Mets: Top 12 free agents the team should look to sign this winter

5) NY Mets free agent target Nick Castellanos

Best known for ruining half-hearted apologies, Nick Castellanos is one possible answer to help boost the Mets offense. Another guy with a pretty awesome track record that includes a lifetime slash line of .278/.329/.486 and an average of 25 home runs and 89 RBI per 162 games, he’s going to be a name fans throw out there as a possibility to take over in the outfield in 2022.

Castellanos has the benefit of seemingly getting even better as the years go on. He is fresh off a .309/.362/.576 season with the Cincinnati Reds that included 34 home runs and 100 RBI.

One important factor to consider with Castellanos: he has already opted out of his contract with the Reds. He has an opt-out in his contract. He would have taken home $16 million over the next two seasons with a mutual option in 2024 at $20 million. Instead, expect his camp to try to get even more from suitors this offseason.

Indeed, I think Castellanos has a great chance to get an even bigger deal this offseason. It won’t double in size but it should approach $20 million annually as of next year.

The big trouble with Castellanos remains his defense. Another poor year in right field makes him a defensive downgrade. However, with the potential addition of the DH to the National League, there’s a place for Castellanos to slot into the lineup every day.

Other than his bat, Castellanos isn’t a round peg for a round hole in what the Mets should be looking for. Worth considering, there’s a better player for right field next year.