Another potential landing spot for Nick Castellanos may have just disappeared.
The Phillies’ options in trying to move Castellanos took a hit after free-agent outfielder Austin Hays agreed to a deal with the Chicago White Sox. Philadelphia had previously acquired Hays from the Orioles at the 2024 trade deadline to bolster outfield depth, and his latest move could indirectly complicate the Phillies’ efforts to deal Castellanos.
Chicago had been seeking an experienced outfielder, and Hays fit that need. The 30-year-old hit 15 home runs in 103 games last season with Cincinnati, reestablishing his value after an injury-shortened stint in Philadelphia.
Tension between the Phillies and Castellanos has lingered for years, and the club is still searching for a trade partner willing to take on the veteran outfielder. With the White Sox now filling an outfield spot, they appear less likely to pursue Castellanos.
Hays’ time in Philadelphia was brief. Hamstring and kidney issues limited him to just 22 games after his 2024 arrival, during which he posted a .256 average and .672 OPS. He rebounded in 2025 with a .768 OPS for the Reds, helping rebuild his market.
The White Sox had seemed like a logical trade match for Castellanos, given their flexibility with payroll and openness to adding talent. A deal would have posed limited risk for Chicago while offering the Phillies some financial relief. Castellanos is owed $20 million in 2026, the final year of his contract, though Philadelphia would likely need to cover a sizable portion even if he’s moved.
Since signing a five-year deal before the 2022 season, Castellanos’ tenure in Philadelphia has been uneven. While he’s delivered flashes of power and swagger, his high strikeout tendencies and declining defensive range have frustrated fans as his production dipped. In 2025, he slashed .250/.294/.400, and his .694 OPS ranked near the bottom among qualified major league outfielders.
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