Nick Castellanos gets fresh start with Padres after turbulent Phillies exit
Nick Castellanos arrives in San Diego intent on turning the page. The veteran outfielder, who was released by Philadelphia with a year and $20 million left on his deal, signed with the Padres for the league minimum and will vie for playing time across the outfield and as a designated hitter. Padres executives and teammates framed the move as a low‑risk chance to add power and experience to a lineup that struggled to score last season.
How things unraveled in Philadelphia
Castellanos’ final stretch with the Phillies was marked by public friction over playing time and a widely discussed dugout incident. In mid‑June (June 16, ET), after being pulled for defensive reasons late in a home game, he carried a beer into the dugout and confronted coaches and the manager. The episode crystallized growing tensions and left the relationship strained.
On the field, Castellanos had an uneven season, finishing with a. 250 average, 17 home runs and 72 RBIs. His numbers were below his career norms, and the team spent months trying to find a trade partner before choosing to absorb the remaining salary and part ways. Castellanos has said his biggest regret during his time in Philadelphia was not winning a World Series, and he acknowledged the mistake that contributed to his departure while expressing a desire to learn and move forward.
Padres’ plan: multi‑position depth and a chance to rebound
The Padres view Castellanos as a versatile, veteran bat who can provide right field, left field and designated hitter depth, with additional spring work at first base. Management emphasized that they cleared the signing with core players before finalizing the deal, and team leaders welcomed the newcomer’s personality and experience from South Florida roots with established teammates.
General manager A. J. Preller framed the signing as an opportunity to give a player who owned up to his mistakes a fresh start. The front office expects Castellanos to compete for playing time and earn his role, not be handed it. With the Phillies covering the bulk of his 2026 salary, the club takes on minimal financial risk while hoping Castellanos taps back into better offensive form; Preller optimistically mentioned a target line near. 290 with 20 homers.
Padres hitters finished the previous season well down the runs chart, and the club has been budget‑conscious this winter. Castellanos brings a career 110 OPS+ and veteran presence at a low cost, a combination the team hopes will help bridge offensive gaps as they try to remain competitive.
What to watch in spring and beyond
Spring training in Peoria will be the first real test of whether this signing can pay off. Castellanos will get reps across the outfield and at first base while competing for at‑bats and displaying how he fits into the clubhouse culture. Manager Craig Stammen emphasized that Castellanos must earn playing time through preparation and performance.
For Castellanos, the immediate objective is simple: be himself, work hard and provide value wherever the team needs it. If he can recapture more consistent plate production, the low‑cost pairing could become a major offseason win for the Padres. If not, the club’s investment remains modest and reversible—exactly the kind of gamble teams often take on veteran players seeking a reset.
Either way, the signing gives Castellanos the fresh opportunity he asked for and presents the Padres another veteran option as they address long‑standing offensive questions heading into the new season.
