The San Diego Padres added veteran power hitter Nick Castellanos on Saturday following his release from the Philadelphia Phillies, giving the former All-Star a fresh opportunity on the West Coast. After his departure from Philadelphia, Castellanos addressed the speculation that surrounded his exit. Reports had suggested tension within the clubhouse, including claims that he clashed with his manager and displayed frustration publicly.
Reflecting on that period, Castellanos made it clear he stood by how he handled himself.
“In the moment, I felt how I felt, and I spoke from the heart, and I was honest in every word that I said. It’s not like I was outwardly, ever displaying that, you know, like I kept it all inside, but when I was asked a question, I shot straight, and then people perceived it how they wanted to,’’ Castellanos said, per USA Today.
Now with San Diego, Castellanos gets a reset. He agreed to a deal that will pay him the Major League Baseball minimum salary for 2026, while Philadelphia remains responsible for the bulk of his previous contract. The Padres are expected to use him in multiple roles next season, valuing both his bat and his defensive versatility as they reshape their roster for another playoff push.
San Diego enters 2026 looking to build on a strong 2025 campaign. The Padres won 90 regular-season games and secured a postseason berth before falling to the Chicago Cubs in the National League Wild Card round. Despite the early playoff exit, the organization believes it has the core pieces necessary to contend again.
Offensively, the lineup already features established stars such as Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., who anchor the middle of the order. Castellanos adds another experienced run producer to the mix. During the 2025 season, he launched 17 home runs and continued to show his ability to drive in runs in key situations.
Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill expressed optimism about Castellanos joining the clubhouse and emphasized the clean slate awaiting him in San Diego.
“I think he’s going to come in here, and we’re all going to look at him as a new human being,” said Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill, per MLB.com. “That was the Phillies, and we’re the San Diego Padres. I’m just happy to have him.”
As Castellanos approaches several career milestones, his resume remains impressive. He is nearing 1,000 career RBIs, currently sitting at 920, and has clubbed 250 home runs over his time in the majors. Throughout his career, he has suited up for the Phillies, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, and Cincinnati Reds.
With spring training beginning Friday for San Diego, Castellanos will have the opportunity to prove he can thrive in a new environment. The Padres are betting that a change of scenery could spark another productive chapter in his career.