The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for a busy offseason, with Dave Dombrowski focused on retaining Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto, while exploring potential additions via free agency.
A more urgent issue, however, is the future of Nick Castellanos. After a disappointing 2025 season and some friction with manager Rob Thomson, Castellanos’ place in Philadelphia is uncertain.
Matt Gelb of The Athletic recently detailed the Phillies’ stance on Castellanos, noting that a decision has effectively been made: Castellanos is not expected to return to the team in any capacity for 2026.
The Phillies plan to part ways with Nick Castellanos
Gelb writes, “It will not include Nick Castellanos, whom the Phillies are actively shopping at this week’s meetings, multiple major-league sources told The Athletic.”
The Phillies intend to move on from the $100 million outfielder, who is owed $20 million in 2026, making his contract challenging to trade. While the team is willing to cover a significant portion of his salary to facilitate a deal, Gelb reports that other teams are looking for a prospect in return rather than simply taking on Castellanos’ contract.
Although trading a prospect just to clear his $20 million is unlikely, the Phillies might consider it if it opens the door to signing a high-profile free agent similar to Kyle Tucker.
Castellanos endured a rough 2025, finishing with -0.8 bWAR, a .250 batting average, and a .694 OPS over 147 games. His defensive struggles led to Thomson using defensive substitutions, which sparked disagreements and a one-game benching during the season.
In the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Castellanos hit just .133 with a .400 OPS. While he played a role in keeping the Phillies competitive, his tenure with the team is expected to end on a sour note.
No matter the method, the Phillies plan to sever ties with Castellanos before the 2026 season, either via trade or release. The veteran outfielder will not return to Philadelphia next year.