Phillies Release Nick Castellanos Amid MLB Trade Speculation
The Philadelphia Phillies have officially released outfielder Nick Castellanos, making him a free agent eligible to sign with any Major League Baseball (MLB) team at the league minimum rate. This decision precedes the start of spring training, and Castellanos will now look for opportunities elsewhere.
Contract and Financial Details
Castellanos was in the final season of a lucrative five-year, $100 million contract. This deal required a $20 million salary for 2026. The Phillies will be responsible for this amount, minus any prorated league minimum salary Castellanos might earn if he signs with another team.
Trade Speculation and Release Reasons
- Castellanos was a likely candidate for trade or release since the beginning of the offseason.
- Philadelphia struggled to find a trading partner willing to assume any part of his salary.
- The team’s signing of Kyle Schwarber to a four-year, $79 million deal prior to Castellanos’ signing raised expectations for both players.
Performance Analysis
Castellanos’ performance declined significantly during his tenure with the Phillies. In his debut season, he recorded a batting average of just .263 with a .305 on-base percentage and a .389 slugging percentage. His play improved slightly in the following two years, but he remained below replacement level largely due to defensive shortcomings.
Recent Season Statistics
- 2024: .263/.311/.454
- 2025: .250/.294/.400
These statistics show that Castellanos had difficulties maintaining his offensive contributions, resulting in a wRC+ that placed him about 10% below league average in 2025.
Off-Field Controversy
Issues arose between Castellanos and the Phillies’ management during the last season. He was taken out of a close game in Miami, leading to tensions that escalated his relationship with the coaching staff. This incident included Castellanos making comments deemed inappropriate by manager Rob Thomson and discontent among teammates.
In a recent Instagram post, Castellanos shared his side of the Miami incident, which involved him bringing a beer into the dugout post-game as an expression of his frustration. He apologized to his teammates, manager, and the team’s president of baseball operations.
Future Prospects
As Castellanos enters free agency, his future remains uncertain. Teams may express interest, particularly those looking for designated hitters, although concerns surrounding his recent performance and previous exit from the Phillies might limit his options.
While he has still managed to produce over 70 RBIs in the last three seasons, the context of his lineup and reduced walk rates have raised doubts about his long-term viability as a regular player. The quest for a new home now stands as the next chapter in Castellanos’ professional career.
