Phillies Aim to Trade Nick Castellanos Before Full-Squad Workouts
The Philadelphia Phillies are actively seeking a trade partner for outfielder Nick Castellanos ahead of their spring training. The team faces the essential task of finding a new home for the 33-year-old player before their first full-squad workout.
Background on Castellanos
Last season, Castellanos struggled considerably, leading to his benching late in the year. Phillies’ manager Rob Thomson characterized an incident involving Castellanos as a result of “an inappropriate comment” made by the player following a defensive substitution.
Communication Issues
- In September, Castellanos expressed concerns about his communication with Thomson, describing it as “questionable.”
- The relationship dynamics between Castellanos and the coaching staff appear to have played a role in his reduced on-field time.
Trade Discussions
Phillies President of Baseball Operations, Dave Dombrowski, confirmed discussions with various teams regarding Castellanos. He stated, “That’s our focus prior to the start of spring training.” Dombrowski emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying they are working hard to finalize a deal this week.
Player Statistics and Contract Details
Nick Castellanos, who hits free agency after the current season, has a notable track record. Last season, he achieved the following statistics:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .250 |
| Home Runs | 17 |
| RBIs | 72 |
| Games Played | 147 |
Castellanos is set to enter the final year of a five-year contract worth $100 million. The team has also signed Adolis García to a $10 million, one-year contract, anticipating him to replace Castellanos in right field.
Upcoming Workouts
Spring training is approaching, with pitchers and catchers scheduled for their first workout on Wednesday. The first full-squad session is set for the following Monday.
Castellanos’ Future with the Team
When questioned about Castellanos’ participation in training camp if no trade occurs by the time position players report, Dombrowski hinted at an ongoing effort to expedite a potential trade.
Additional Player Updates
In a related development, ace pitcher Zack Wheeler is recovering from surgery and dealing with complications from a blood clot. Thomson indicated that while Wheeler is progressing, he is unlikely to be ready for the season opener, although he should return shortly thereafter.
As Wheeler continues rehabilitation, young prospect Andrew Painter gains a more significant opportunity to secure a spot in the starting rotation. Last season, Painter recorded a 5-8 win-loss record with a 5.26 ERA in the minors after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
With spring training just around the corner, the Phillies are focused on finalizing their roster and ensuring a successful season ahead.
