PHILADELPHIA — A “divorce” seems inevitable between Nick Castellanos and the Phillies. After a disappointing 2025 season, compounded by internal tensions and a decline in performance, the 33-year-old outfielder is on the verge of leaving the team — and many sources believe he will leave Citizens Bank Park before the 2026 season begins.
Castellanos, appearing on MLB Network this morning, said bluntly:
“Whatever happens is going to happen.”
Those words have fueled a powerful rumor — that the Phillies are ending a relationship they once had high hopes for.
The past year has marked the height of crisis for Castellanos: he has been relegated to the bench, lost his starting position, and has been rated low both offensively and defensively.
His form has been in freefall: from a two-time All-Star with high expectations to being considered one of the worst outfielders of the season.
Not only that, but his relationship with the coaching staff has also been fractured — he was benched for arguing after being substituted in a game in June.
Castellanos still has one year left on his contract, with a salary of $20 million. But that would be a burden for the team if they kept him.
A source from the leadership said: “If we want to change direction, we will have to release or renegotiate the contract” — implying a high possibility of looking to trade or cut this player.
In the interview, Castellanos said he is willing to try the first base position if asked — to increase his chances of finding a new home.
But with his poor performance in 2025 and low defensive rating, many teams understand that if they want Castellanos, they may have to… take him for free — or pay less to offset his salary.
Recent moves by management — from uncertainty about Castellanos’ future to prioritizing young talent development — suggest the team may be ready to “revive” the 2026 outfield.
Meanwhile, the possibility of recruiting a replacement outfielder — free agent or internally — adds to the pressure on Castellanos.
In a statement to MLB Network, Castellanos did not deny the possibility of leaving:
“I’m just trying to focus on making sure today I get done what needs to be done… A lot of stuff is out of my control.”
The statement felt like a goodbye — or at least a salute to a new chapter.
If the Phillies trade or release Castellanos, the 2026 season will be a series of trials for him — finding a “second base,” proving himself after a down season.
If not — and if he bounces back — Castellanos could be a “bargain” for a team willing to take a chance.
One thing is clear: the 2025–26 summer will not be just a regular offseason for the Phillies. It could be the end of an era — and the beginning of a new journey for Nick Castellanos.
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