Phillies insider would be ‘stunned’ if Nick Castellanos isn’t traded or cut by spring training originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia Phillies have some clear moves to make this winter after re-signing Kyle Schwarber to a $150 million deal. J.T. Realmuto is a priority, as is adding another reliever and an outfielder.
But, aside from trade rumors about Alec Bohm and Matt Strahm, the future of Nick Castellanos is very much in doubt.
His future is in so much doubt that Jim Salisbury of PHLY on Foul Territory said he would be “stunned” if Castellanos remains on the team come Spring Training.
Phillies insider would be ‘stunned’ if Nick Castellanos remains on roster
“They would like to provide him with a change of scenery,” Salisbury said. “I expect it to come in the form of a trade or a release. I would be surprised if he were in Spring Training. In fact, I would be stunned. I don’t see how they can come to Spring Training with him.”
Castellanos is not long for the Phillies roster after a tough 2025 season. From Castellanos having some of the worst defensive metrics in the league to Rob Thomson benching him after an argument over Castellanos being substituted for defense, this marriage is all but over.
The only question left is whether the Phillies find a trade partner or release him before Spring Training. For now, no trade is likely with much better options available in free agency.
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But if the Phillies can find a partner later in the offseason with a team that missed out on right-handed hitting sluggers, then Castellanos might be traded, even if it’s for very little.
Castellanos is 33 years old, is a two-time All-Star, and has had some incredible moments for the Phillies over the years. But his $20 million 2026 contract is too much for his production.
With his offensive regression, a .694 OPS in 2025 compared to .742 and .788 OPS marks in 2024 and 2023, respectively, and poor defense, there’s no reason for the Phillies to hold onto Castellanos for another year.
His time in Philadelphia is all but over, and the only question that remains is when and how his departure will occur.
