The Philadelphia Phillies are likely to have a very active offseason. Following a crushing elimination from the NLDS by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dave Dombrowski and the front office are likely to make some changes.
While free agents Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto may find other teams if the Phillies are unable to re-sign them, certain contracted players, most notably Nick Castellanos, may find themselves in unfamiliar situations next season.
The Phillies are set to trade or release Castellanos, sending the experienced outfielder to a new team after four seasons with the Phillies. According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, Castellanos has recruited a new agency in response to these claims.
Nick Castellanos hires new agent amid Phillies trade rumors
“Nick Castellanos has hired Mato Sports Management to represent him,” Heyman said.
Castellanos was formerly a client of well-known agency Scott Boras. However, before the 2025 MLB season, he and Boras split ways. Tim Kelly of On Pattison relayed Castellanos’ justification for the decision.
“I think that just now I probably would want the opportunity,” Castellanos stated. “To say that I’m never going to be represented again, it’s not like I’m opposed to having an agent. I simply think that with Scott, I was at a position where I wanted to speak out for myself.”
Castellanos stated a desire to speak for himself during talks, while also leaving the door open to signing a new agency. After a difficult 2025 season in which Castellanos’ playing time was reduced following a disagreement with Rob Thomson over being removed for a defensive substitute, Castellanos is looking for a new agency.
Mato Sports Management represents two Major League players: Eduardo Rodriguez of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez. Castellanos now joins the two other Mato Sports Management athletes.
Castellanos’ action is important since he will most likely be cut or moved. He does not have a no-trade clause, so the Phillies may part ways with him in any way they wish.
However, Castellanos, 33, will be looking for a new deal whenever he joins a new team or enters free agency. It might be one of his final opportunities, so a great 2026 season could be the difference in Castellanos earning some more money before retiring.
The Phillies will not pay him for his next contract, since he will be released or dealt this winter. However, in such a precarious situation, Castellanos has joined Mato Sports Management to have representation at the negotiating table moving into what may be his final contract year.