Nick Castellanos Lands with Padres After Phillies Release: A New Chapter for the Slugger
Just two days after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies, veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos has agreed to a deal with the San Diego Padres. The move, first reported by the New York Post, marks a swift continuation of Castellanos’s career and adds a potentially potent bat to the Padres’ lineup.
Financial Details and Phillies’ Role
The Padres will pay Castellanos the MLB veteran minimum of $780,000 for the 2026 season. Remarkably, the Phillies will cover the vast majority of his $20 million salary. This unusual arrangement stems from Castellanos having previously cleared waivers, making the Padres financially responsible for only a little portion of his contract.
A Versatile Role in San Diego
Padres General Manager A.J. Preller had expressed a desire to add another bat to the offense, and Castellanos fits that bill. Whereas he’s primarily played right field throughout his career, a position already filled by Fernando Tatis Jr. In San Diego, the Padres envision utilizing him in multiple roles. He’s expected to notice time at designated hitter, and the team is exploring his potential at first base, where he received some training during his time with the Phillies.
Recent Performance and Past Issues
Castellanos is coming off a 2025 season where he batted .250 with 17 home runs and 72 RBIs in 147 games for the Phillies. Although, his performance has been trending downwards in recent years, with his OPS+ falling from 112 in 2023 to 88 last season.
His time in Philadelphia wasn’t without its challenges. Castellanos was benched last season following what manager Rob Thomson described as an “inappropriate comment” after being removed from a game. The incident involved Castellanos bringing beer into the dugout and voicing concerns about team rules. He later apologized for letting his emotions get the better of him.
Padres’ Recent Moves
The Padres have been active this offseason, also agreeing to deals with right-handed pitchers Griffin Canning and Germán Márquez. These additions, along with Castellanos, signal a clear intent to bolster both their hitting and pitching staffs for the 2026 season.
FAQ
Q: How much will Nick Castellanos be paid by the Padres?
A: The Padres will pay Castellanos the MLB veteran minimum of $780,000. The Phillies will cover the remaining $19.22 million of his salary.
Q: What position will Nick Castellanos play for the Padres?
A: He is expected to see time at designated hitter, first base, and potentially in the outfield.
Q: Why did the Phillies release Nick Castellanos?
A: The Phillies were unable to find a trade partner for Castellanos and decided to release him before the start of spring training.
Q: What was the issue that led to Castellanos being benched by the Phillies?
A: Castellanos was benched after bringing beer into the dugout and making a comment to manager Rob Thomson regarding team rules.
Did you know? Nick Castellanos worked out at first base last season with the Phillies, though he has never played the position in a Major League game.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Castellanos’s performance at first base. If he can demonstrate proficiency there, it will significantly increase his playing time and value to the Padres.
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