The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to be aggressive in trying to move Nick Castellanos this offseason. According to Bob Nightengale of USA, the team may also be ready to absorb a portion of his pay. Castellanos is a two-time All-Star and the Silver Slugger Award winner. However, this season, he is hitting.253 with only 16 home runs and is no longer certain to start every game. Castellanos might generate trade interest if the Phillies are prepared to pay a portion of his money as he enters the last year of his five-year, $100 million contract.
The BALLCAP Sports Jim Riley proposed that if Kyle Tucker goes in free agency, the Chicago Cubs might acquire Castellanos to replace him or use him as a designated hitter. “He has one more year at $20 million left, and if the Phillies will eat half of it, I think there are several teams for $10 million that should be interested,” Riley stated. Tucker appeared to be a strong contender for MVP at the beginning of the season. But lately, his sharpness has diminished. He is expected to sign a very expensive contract in free agency despite apparently playing with a hand injury.
The Cubs will need to find answers in the outfield if they lose Tucker, who might be the target of free agency. They might rely on youthful athletes like Kevin Alcantara or Owen Caissie. But Castellanos is a seasoned player who might be inexpensive. “If Castellanos can hit about 20 home runs for a team, he could be a great one-year pickup,” Riley said.