The lack of movement on Nick Castellanos may be unsettling for some Philadelphia Phillies fans, especially given how openly his situation appeared headed toward a split. After tensions surfaced between Castellanos and the organization during the next-to-last year of his five-year, $100 million deal, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said back in November that a new destination for the outfielder seemed likely. Nearly two months later, with spring training now about six weeks away, a deal has yet to materialize.
Still, according to a Phillies insider, the quiet market does not suggest that Castellanos is suddenly part of the team’s plans for next season. Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reiterated Sunday that a separation remains unavoidable unless the Phillies ultimately decide to cut ties outright.
“Castellanos clashed with (manager Rob) Thomson and lost his everyday job last season,” Lauber wrote. “All parties agree that a change of scenery is best. The Phillies will trade or release him, likely before spring training. Either way, they will pay all or most of his $20 million salary in the final year of his contract.”
Lauber also pointed out that the Phillies have already prepared for life after Castellanos. “The Phillies already replaced Castellanos with free-agent right fielder Adolis García, a candidate to bat behind Harper if he hits like he did earlier in his career. From 2021 to ‘23, García slugged .472 with 97 homers, tied for sixth among all right-handed hitters.”
Philadelphia signed García, a two-time All-Star, to a one-year deal, effectively filling the right-field role before Castellanos was officially moved. García also represents a significant defensive upgrade, addressing one of the biggest frustrations tied to keeping the 33-year-old Castellanos in the lineup last season.
While releasing Castellanos would be costly, it could still work to the Phillies’ advantage. If the team absorbs a large portion of the salary, perhaps around 85 percent, another club may be more willing to trade for him than if he were simply available on the open market.