The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing for the upcoming season with a roster that looks largely unchanged from last year, but one notable departure still appears to be on the horizon. The team is actively working to move on from outfielder Nick Castellanos before spring training.
MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki reported on X that while nothing has changed publicly, the Phillies remain intent on parting ways with Castellanos and are searching for a trade partner willing to take on even a small portion of his $20 million salary.
Castellanos, who will turn 34 in March, is coming off a 2025 campaign in which he hit .250 with 17 home runs. However, his overall production fell short, as reflected by a minus-0.8 WAR. His struggles in right field have made him a defensive liability, and if limited to a designated hitter role, his .694 OPS last season would still be underwhelming.
Once known for his power bat during his time with the Detroit Tigers and later stints with the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds Castellanos initially provided enough offensive value in Philadelphia to offset his weaknesses. That balance has since shifted. He now strikes out frequently, rarely draws walks, and continues to struggle defensively.
While a change of scenery might help him rediscover some of his power, it’s understandable why the Phillies are looking to move on. At this stage of his career, his contract represents a significant financial commitment for a player offering limited overall value, leaving uncertainty about how the situation will ultimately be resolved.
Leave a Reply