The Philadelphia Phillies checked off their top priority of the offseason at the MLB Winter Meetings by bringing back Kyle Schwarber on a five-year, $150 million deal. While that move was critical, the front office still has unresolved business as it looks ahead to the 2026 season.
One situation Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is hoping to address before next year involves Nick Castellanos. After Philadelphia’s NLDS exit against the Los Angeles Dodgers, it appears increasingly clear that Castellanos’ time with the organization is nearing its end, even though his contract runs for one more season.
That decision, however, is far from straightforward. MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki reported that during the Winter Meetings, there was little to no trade interest in Castellanos, even if the Phillies were willing to cover part or all of his $20 million salary.
Finding a trade partner has proven difficult. Castellanos’ public frustration over his role in Rob Thomson’s outfield rotation last summer, combined with offensive numbers similar to his disappointing 2022 season, has significantly hurt his market value. The five-year, $100 million deal he signed after a career year with the Reds in 2021 has not aged well for Philadelphia.
This past season, Castellanos hit .250/.294/.400 with a .694 OPS, 17 home runs, and 72 RBIs across 147 games. His struggles carried into the postseason, as the 33-year-old went just 2-for-15 in the NLDS, posting a .133/.133/.267 slash line and a .400 OPS over four games.
Recently, Castellanos addressed the idea of changing positions while appearing on MLB Network’s Hot Stove. He said he would be open to playing first base if needed, noting his experience at shortstop as an amateur and third base earlier in his career with the Tigers. He initially debuted in right field in 2017 before settling there full time the following season.
OnPattison’s Tim Kelly reported that Castellanos’ agency, Mato Sports Management, encouraged him to express openness to a defensive shift after a season in which he recorded minus-11 defensive runs saved and minus-12 outs above average in right field.
A deal may not materialize until spring training, when injuries could force a team to seek a right-handed bat or a player capable of handling the corner outfield or first base. For now, alternatives remain plentiful through both trades and free agency. While Castellanos is not expected to be part of the Phillies’ plans in 2026, he could remain on the roster longer than anticipated this offseason.
If Dombrowski ultimately cannot find a trade partner, releasing Castellanos could become a possibility, even though the organization would prefer to avoid that outcome. Still, if both sides are ready to move on, it may be the only viable resolution.