The unraveling of Nick Castellanos’ tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies wasn’t a sudden implosion, but a slow burn fueled by a clash of personalities, perceived disrespect, and a breakdown in trust. The Phillies officially released the $100 million outfielder on , a move that had been anticipated for months, admitting a relationship irrevocably broken after four seasons.
The beginning of the end, according to multiple sources within the organization, came on , during a game against the Miami Marlins in his hometown. Removed for defensive purposes in the eighth inning, Castellanos reacted with visible anger, culminating in him carrying a Presidente beer into the Phillies dugout. It wasn’t simply the act of having a beer, but the manner in which he expressed his frustration towards Phillies coaches, perceiving a lack of respect. Teammates Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto intervened, attempting to shield the incident from cameras, while former player Howie Kendrick tried to de-escalate the situation by taking the beer from him.
While the Phillies won that game, the incident hung heavy in the air. It wasn’t an isolated event, but rather a culmination of simmering resentment from teammates who had grown weary of Castellanos’ attitude. “You can’t disrespect the manager and talk to him the way he did,” one Phillies player told The Athletic, speaking on condition of anonymity. “You can’t expect it all to be the same after that.”
Castellanos’ arrival in Philadelphia in was marked by a sense of entitlement, sources say. He had just come off a career season with the Cincinnati Reds and expected to be treated as a star. He bristled when he felt he wasn’t receiving the same treatment as other players, and openly questioned the decisions of manager Rob Thomson and hitting coach Kevin Long, believing their lack of extensive playing experience diminished their authority. He wanted to be a star, and felt he wasn’t being treated as one.
The Phillies attempted to accommodate Castellanos, understanding his desire for comfort and a positive environment. His son, Liam, was a frequent presence in the clubhouse and on the field. However, the team also felt they had gone to great lengths to create that environment, and his behavior began to wear thin.
Castellanos’ performance on the field also declined. In , his .694 OPS ranked 123rd among 145 qualified hitters, and his fWAR of -0.6 was 145th. Despite his struggles, the Phillies continued to play him, even starting him in 30 consecutive games after the one-game benching following the dugout incident. This decision raised eyebrows within the clubhouse, with some questioning why Castellanos seemed to be held to a different standard.
The team explored trade options for months, but found no takers for the outfielder and his remaining contract. The release ultimately came as a financial concession, eating $20 million to move on from a player who had become a disruptive force.
In a handwritten letter posted to Instagram just minutes before the Phillies officially announced his release, Castellanos acknowledged the dugout incident and expressed gratitude to the team, his teammates, and the fans. “I love this game, I love being a teammate and I am addicted to winning,” he wrote. “I will learn from this.”
While Castellanos was known for expressing his opinions, a trait tolerated to a degree in a clubhouse filled with strong personalities, the incident in Miami crossed a line. He wasn’t simply voicing his concerns; he was openly challenging authority in a disrespectful manner.
Castellanos’ issues weren’t limited to his relationship with the coaching staff. He also clashed with teammates, often believing he deserved preferential treatment. He questioned why he wasn’t hitting higher in the lineup and expressed frustration when he felt others were afforded luxuries he wasn’t. He was a team player in some respects – offering advice to younger players and providing a place to stay for call-ups – but his overall approach was often seen as self-serving.
During a September appearance on Mookie Betts’ podcast, “On Base with Mookie Betts,” Castellanos reiterated his belief that only those who had “carried the stick” – meaning players with significant major league experience – were qualified to offer opinions. “The only opinions that I honestly care about are (from) the ones that have carried the stick,” he said. “The ones that have put on the gloves and put on the cleats.”
The release of Castellanos marks the end of a complicated chapter for the Phillies. While he had moments of brilliance, including a two-homer game against the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS, his disruptive behavior ultimately outweighed his on-field contributions. The Phillies are now looking ahead, hoping to find a more harmonious fit in right field.
