Phillies Explore Trade for Nick Castellanos Before Spring Training | MLB News

Phillies Pursue Trade for Outfielder Nick Castellanos Before Spring Training

CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Philadelphia Phillies are actively seeking a trade partner for outfielder Nick Castellanos ahead of their first full-squad workout of spring training, according to team President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski. The Phillies are hoping to finalize a deal before position players report next week.

The move comes after Castellanos was benched late last season following what Phillies manager Rob Thomson described as “an inappropriate comment” after being removed from a game for a defensive substitution. Castellanos himself acknowledged in September that communication with Thomson had been “questionable, at least in my experience.”

“That’s our focus prior to the start of spring training,” Dombrowski said Monday. “So, that’s something that we’ll continue to work on this week.”

Castellanos, who will turn 34 on March 4, hit .250 with 17 home runs and 72 RBIs in 147 games for the National League East champions in 2025. He is entering the final year of a five-year, $100 million contract.

Multiple reports indicate the Phillies have engaged in discussions with several teams regarding a potential trade. Phillies Nation reported on February 9th that the team is talking to “two or three” teams, with the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies mentioned as potential suitors. Both the Padres and Rockies received bottom-five production from their designated hitters last season.

However, the Phillies are prepared for the possibility that a trade may not materialize. Dombrowski indicated that if a suitable trade partner cannot be found, the team will likely release Castellanos and pay him the full $20 million he is owed this year.

The emergence of Adolis Garcia, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract with Philadelphia in December, is also a factor in the Phillies’ willingness to move Castellanos. Garcia is expected to replace Castellanos in right field.

The Phillies’ pitchers and catchers are scheduled to begin spring training workouts on Wednesday, with the first full-squad workout slated for February 16th. Dombrowski stated the team is “doing everything we can to make a move by that time period.”

In addition to the Castellanos situation, the Phillies are also monitoring the recovery of ace Zack Wheeler. Wheeler is recovering from surgery to remove a blood clot in his right arm, a condition related to thoracic outlet syndrome. Manager Rob Thomson doesn’t expect Wheeler to be ready for Opening Day, but anticipates his return will be “not too far behind that.” Wheeler, who led the majors with 195 strikeouts before his injury in August, went 10-5 with a 2.71 ERA last year and has been Philadelphia’s Opening Day starter for the past two seasons.

The Phillies’ efforts to move Castellanos signal a clear shift in direction for the team as they prepare for the 2026 season. The outcome of these trade discussions will significantly impact the team’s roster composition and offensive capabilities heading into spring training.