The Philadelphia Phillies have assembled one of baseball’s most competitive rosters in recent years, but some of their financial moves have not turned out as expected—even involving players who are no longer with the team.
According to Bleacher Report analyst Tim Kelly, former Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos still represents the club’s worst contract, despite no longer being on the roster.
Castellanos originally signed a lucrative deal with Philadelphia, but his tenure ended with the team releasing him, leaving the financial effects of that agreement lingering.
The only financial relief the Phillies receive now comes from the league-minimum salary Castellanos earns with the San Diego Padres.
Kelly also noted that other large contracts on the roster raise concerns, including veteran pitcher Aaron Nola, who struggled last season with a 6.01 ERA across 17 starts despite being a longtime cornerstone of the franchise and currently in the third year of his seven-year, $172 million deal.
Additionally, pitcher Taijuan Walker is entering the final year of his four-year, $72 million contract, which has not delivered the results Philadelphia originally expected.
Even with those concerns, Castellanos’ deal is still widely viewed as the most problematic financially, though the Phillies’ willingness to spend aggressively on talent has helped keep the team competitive and fans relatively satisfied.
