The Philadelphia Phillies are heading into a busy offseason, and one of their first major moves appears to be parting ways with Nick Castellanos. After a disappointing 2025 season, defensive struggles, and tension with manager Rob Thomson, the organization has decided the veteran outfielder will not return for 2026.
According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, the Phillies are actively shopping Castellanos at the Winter Meetings, with multiple MLB sources confirming the front office is pushing hard to find a trade partner. The challenge: Castellanos is owed $20 million next season, a number that has made teams hesitant to take him on without incentives. As a result, the Phillies are willing to eat a significant portion of the contract, while several clubs are asking for a prospect to be included in any deal.
Castellanos’ rough 2025 campaign — including a .250 average, .694 OPS, and the league’s worst defensive metrics — accelerated Philadelphia’s decision to move on. His postseason struggles and midseason conflict with Thomson only made the situation more untenable.
Whether it happens through a trade or release, the Phillies plan to cut ties before Opening Day. Moving Castellanos could also help free up payroll space for a major addition, as the team is eyeing high-impact free-agent targets this winter.
The Collapse: Castellanos’ Rough 2025 Season Changed Everything
Castellanos had one of his worst seasons in years:
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-0.8 bWAR
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.250 AVG, .694 OPS
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147 games of declining production
His defense was statistically the worst in baseball, leading to late-game benchings and a midseason incident where he butted heads with Thomson, resulting in a one-game punishment. Then, in the NLDS, he hit just .133 with a .400 OPS, sealing his fate.
Whether it comes via trade or a release, Philadelphia is planning to move on from Castellanos before the 2026 season begins.
His tenure is effectively over, and the team is preparing to reset the outfield and free up the roster spot for bigger moves.
