Reds Spring Notebook: Lodolo Prioritizes Health Over WBC, Roster Moves Keep Rortvedt on the Move, and Castellanos Faces Uncertain Future
As the 2026 World Baseball Classic approaches, the Cincinnati Reds will be well-represented on the international stage - just not by one of their top arms. While several Reds players are gearing up for WBC action, including recently signed slugger Eugenio Suárez for Team Venezuela and top prospect Edwin Arroyo, left-hander Nick Lodolo won’t be making the trip. And that decision could have major implications for the Reds’ hopes this season.
Lodolo Chooses Goodyear Over Team USA - And the Reds Are Just Fine With That
Team USA came calling for Lodolo, but the 26-year-old southpaw ultimately decided to stay put and prepare for the season with his Reds teammates in Goodyear, Arizona. The decision wasn’t made lightly. According to reports, it came after a conversation with Reds manager Terry Francona, who made it clear he’d support Lodolo either way - but also didn’t mince words.
“I want you to be wealthy as hell,” Francona told Lodolo.
That wasn’t just a throwaway line. Francona's message was about longevity and value - both to the team and to Lodolo’s career. Pitchers ramping up in February for WBC competition often face a steeper physical toll, and for a guy like Lodolo, who’s coming off a strong 2025 and has the potential to anchor this rotation, the risk-reward equation tilted toward staying healthy and locked in for Opening Day.
Lodolo made 30 starts last season - a big step forward after injury setbacks earlier in his career - and the Reds are banking on him being a key piece in what they hope is a playoff-contending season. If all goes to plan, he’ll be on the mound that first weekend of the regular season, setting the tone for a club with real October aspirations.
Rortvedt’s Whirlwind Continues as Reds Shuffle Roster Again
Catcher Ben Rortvedt has had a rollercoaster of an offseason - and that might be underselling it. He signed a Major League deal with the Dodgers, only to be designated for assignment shortly after. The Reds jumped at the chance to add a veteran backstop, claiming him off waivers, but his stay in Cincinnati was short-lived.
After the Reds signed Suárez, Rortvedt was DFA’d again and reclaimed by the Dodgers. Now, he’s back on the wire after Los Angeles designated him once more to make room for reliever Evan Phillips.
Could the Reds take another swing at bringing Rortvedt back? It’s possible, but it would require yet another roster shuffle. For now, it’s a waiting game - and Rortvedt remains one of the more intriguing depth pieces floating around the league.
Castellanos in Limbo as Phillies Look to Move On
Meanwhile, a familiar name is making headlines - but not for the reasons he’d like. Former Reds slugger Nick Castellanos is in a standoff with the Phillies. According to reports out of Philadelphia, the team has asked Castellanos to stay away from spring training as they explore trade or release options.
Castellanos, who was an All-Star in Cincinnati and a fan favorite during his time with the Reds, now finds himself in a holding pattern. Could a reunion be in the cards?
It’s unlikely. The Reds just brought in Suárez to handle DH duties, and the roster doesn’t have an obvious spot for another right-handed bat in that mold.
But in baseball, doors don’t always stay shut. If circumstances change, it’s a name worth keeping in the back of your mind.
The Big Picture
With the WBC on the horizon and spring training around the corner, the Reds are juggling roster decisions while keeping their eyes on the bigger prize: building a contender in 2026. Lodolo’s decision to stay with the team speaks volumes about the organization’s priorities - health, continuity, and a belief that this group can make noise.
Add in the Suárez signing, the ongoing catcher carousel, and the Castellanos situation in Philly, and it’s clear the Reds are in the middle of a pivotal stretch. The pieces are moving. Now, it’s about putting them together in a way that gets this team back to October.