Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto are both free agents. It would be wise to bring either back. Schwarber and Realmuto have gotten most of the headlines this offseason for Philadelphia, but there are more decisions to make. Philadelphia reportedly has shopped two-time All-Star Nick Castellanos.
On Friday, Castellanos joined MLB Network’s “Hot Stove” and talked about the offseason and made it known that he would be open to a position change to first base.
“Well, it was brought up to me, and honestly, it’s something that I really welcome,” Castellanos said on “Hot Stove.” “Amateur, I was a shortstop. I got drafted as a (third baseman). I played my first 500 games over there and then … Al Avila came up to me when we traded Jeimer Candelario and said, ‘Hey, listen, we’re trading for this kid who is going to have a bright future. We think that you’re athletic enough to go to right field and give it a shot out there.’
“So I said yes. At that time, I had never played first because we had (Miguel Cabrera) there, and no one was taking his spot. So, I went to the outfield … I think that going to first base is something that I can do, and I would enjoy it if a team or somebody needs me to do that.”
The Phillies are set at first base right now with Bryce Harper firmly planted at the spot. It’s good to know that he’s willing to switch positions if needed, because that could broaden his market.
Castellanos has one season left on his five-year, $100 million deal.
