The Philadelphia Phillies have made it clear that trading veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos is a priority, with President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski confirming the team’s intentions.
Reports indicate that the Phillies have been exploring trade options for Castellanos for several months, following Dombrowski’s earlier comments that a “change of scenery” can benefit a player. Despite the ongoing trade discussions, Castellanos remains on the Phillies’ roster, though Dombrowski emphasized on Monday that the team hopes to complete a deal by the end of the week. “We continue to talk to clubs about [a trade],” Dombrowski said. “We’re doing everything we can to make a move by that time period. I’ll leave it at that right now.”
This season, the Phillies are set to pay Castellanos a $20 million salary, a substantial amount for a player whose performance has been declining. However, salary is not the main issue for the team, as they may need to absorb part or all of it in a potential trade. The primary factor driving the trade is Castellanos’ strained relationship with manager Rob Thomson, stemming from an incident last season that created tension between player and coach. Other considerations, such as roster adjustments following the signing of free-agent outfielder Adolis García to a one-year, $10 million contract, also limit Castellanos’ place in the lineup.
Several teams have been linked to Castellanos, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, who could benefit from adding a veteran presence. Other potential suitors include the San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Guardians, and Miami Marlins. Given Castellanos’ defensive limitations at this stage in his career, he would likely need to play as a designated hitter or first baseman. While multiple teams are expected to show interest, the Phillies are aiming for a deal that either reduces their financial commitment or brings meaningful value in return.
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