Morning Mound Visit: Nick Castellanos opts out

Derek Grimes | Red Reporter: Nick Castellanos opted out of the final two years of his contract with the Cincinnati Reds making him a free agent. Castellanos slashed .309/.362/.576 this year which are career-highs in every category. The only other outfielder to post a higher fWAR this year was Starling Marte, so Castellanos will be highly sought after.

Alex Hall | Athletics Nation: Two Oakland relievers entered the free agent market on Thursday. The A’s declined their player option on Jake Diekman, and Andrew Chafin declined his part of a mutual option. Diekman struck out 83 batters in 60 ²⁄₃ innings, but he struggled with command. Chafin had his best season yet, turning in a 1.83 ERA over 68 ²⁄₃ innings.

Andrew Mearns | Pinstripe Alley: Brett Gardner declined his player option for 2022, so the odds of him returning for a 15th season with the Yankees are looking slim. Gardner hit just .222/.327/.362 this year, and his defense is no longer elite.