Nick Castellanos Likely to Be Traded or Released by Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies find themselves at a crossroads with veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos. His time in the City of Brotherly Love really does seem to be winding down.

After one of the most difficult seasons of his 13-year MLB career—statistically and emotionally—the Phillies look ready to either trade or release him this offseason. The team faces a broader roster shakeup after another disappointing playoff exit, so Castellanos isn’t the only one with an uncertain future.

Castellanos’ Declining Performance and On-Field Struggles

Castellanos once had a reputation for steady offensive production. In 2024, though, his numbers dropped off sharply.

He wrapped up the season with a .250 batting average, a .294 on-base percentage, 17 home runs, and 72 RBIs. Not the worst stats ever, but clearly a step down from his peak years.

The most glaring issue? His -1.0 WAR—a career low that really highlights his defensive struggles.

Defensively, Castellanos just couldn’t cover enough ground in right field. As the season dragged on, the Phillies cut his playing time even more.

Teams now expect outfielders to contribute on both sides of the ball, and this gap in his game became pretty hard to overlook.

Tensions with Manager Rob Thomson

Performance wasn’t the only thing going sideways. Castellanos also clashed with manager Rob Thomson in a way that made headlines.

It all boiled over in June when Thomson benched him for a game, signaling how rocky their relationship had become. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski acknowledged the drama but kept quiet about any upcoming roster changes.

The Contract and Financial Hurdles Ahead

Castellanos’ contract complicates everything. He’s entering the final year of a five-year, $100 million deal, with $20 million still owed.

That’s a big number, and it’s likely to scare off some teams unless the Phillies eat a chunk of the salary. The front office has apparently been open to that, at least in trade talks.

Rumors about moving Castellanos have floated around for two offseasons now, but nothing’s gotten close to the finish line.

Potential Trade or Release Scenarios

With the financial mess and his dip in performance, both a trade and a release seem possible. If the Phillies find a trade partner, they’ll probably have to pay part of his salary to make it work.

Cutting him outright would be more drastic, but it would free up a roster spot and let the team focus on younger players.

Phillies’ Broader Roster Overhaul

Castellanos’ situation is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. The Phillies just got bounced early in the postseason, losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Division Series.

Several core players are about to hit free agency, so the team could look pretty different soon.

Key pending free agents include:

• Max Kepler
• Harrison Bader
• Kyle Schwarber
• J.T. Realmuto
• Ranger Suárez

Losing multiple starters at once would really shake up the roster. If Castellanos goes too, the team’s identity could shift even more.

The Rise of Prospect Justin Crawford

There’s at least one bright spot on the horizon: Justin Crawford, a 21-year-old outfielder who tore it up at Triple-A. He posted a .334 average, .411 OBP, and snagged 46 stolen bases.

If right field opens up, Crawford could get his shot in 2025. That’d give Phillies fans something to look forward to—a little glimpse of what’s next.

Final Thoughts

The Phillies are staring down a pivotal offseason. There’s a lot riding on financial maneuvering, roster turnover, and a push for younger talent.

Honestly, Nick Castellanos’ departure feels almost certain at this point. The real question is how the team deals with it—do they find a trade partner willing to take on that hefty contract, or do they just cut ties and move on?

Philadelphia seems ready to rework its lineup and chase long-term success. As for Castellanos, these next few months might shape not just his next stop, but how fans remember his time in Philly.

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