The Philadelphia Phillies have officially released outfielder Nick Castellanos, making him a free agent eligible to sign with any club for the league minimum, according to a team announcement. Castellanos, who was expected to report to spring training in the coming days, will now remain at home while evaluating potential opportunities.
He is entering the final season of a five-year, $100 million contract, which guarantees a $20 million salary in 2026. The Phillies will continue to pay the bulk of that salary, minus any prorated portion of the league minimum earned if another club picks him up, even for part of the season.
Castellanos’ release was widely anticipated. He had been considered a trade or release candidate following the end of the 2025 season, and early November reports suggested Philadelphia was planning to part ways with the veteran outfielder. In the weeks leading up to the announcement, the Phillies failed to find a trade partner willing to absorb a portion of his contract, leaving the team with little choice but to cut ties and allow Castellanos to hit the open market as a league-minimum player or minor-league/non-roster invitee.
Castellanos’ Phillies Tenure Marred By Defensive Struggles, Declining Production, And Clubhouse Tensions
The decision reflects a broader trend in Philadelphia’s roster construction. Castellanos’ signing had initially surprised observers, as the team had already inked Kyle Schwarber to a four-year, $79 million deal prior to signing Castellanos in the 2021-22 offseason.
Nick Castellanos (MLB)Both players profile as power-hitting corner outfielders better suited for designated hitter duties, yet the Phillies committed long-term contracts to both, resulting in Castellanos logging the majority of outfield time. Over his four seasons in Philly, his defensive struggles became increasingly pronounced, overshadowing his offensive contributions.
Castellanos’ bat, which had flourished with prior teams like the Reds, never fully translated to Philadelphia. He posted a robust .309/.362/.576 slash in his final season with Cincinnati and entered the Phillies deal with a four-year average of .290/.345/.527. However, his production dropped immediately upon joining Philadelphia.
In 2022, he hit .263/.305/.389, then modestly improved to .263/.311/.454 over the next two seasons. Defensive metrics remained a glaring issue, with -20 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and -13 Outs Above Average (OAA). His 2025 season marked another decline: .250/.294/.400 at the plate, -11 DRS, and -12 OAA. By nearly every measure, Castellanos had fallen below replacement level.
Relations between Castellanos and the Phillies deteriorated during the 2025 season. A high-profile incident in Miami saw him removed from a close game for defensive reasons and subsequently benched the next day after making an “inappropriate” comment, according to manager Rob Thomson. Reports from Matt Gelb of The Athletic noted that teammates and coaches were “disgusted” by his remarks.
Castellanos later criticized Thomson’s communication during the final weeks of the season. In a statement on Instagram, Castellanos acknowledged the Miami incident, admitting to bringing a beer into the dugout in frustration but clarified he never consumed it. He also apologized to teammates, Thomson, and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski.
Castellanos Faces Uncertain Future, Must Regain Batting Form To Attract Teams
The central question for Castellanos’ future is whether any team will take a chance on a player whose bat once warranted long-term investment but whose performance has since regressed. Despite decent offensive numbers in the past three seasons, much of his production was aided by strong lineup protection from stars like Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and Kyle Schwarber.
His plate discipline has declined, with three of his four career-low walk rates coming in Philadelphia, and his once-reliable power has diminished. Castellanos’ ISO (slugging minus batting average) fell below .200 for all but one season with the Phillies, and he has lost approximately two miles per hour on his bat speed. He struggled particularly against fastballs in 2025, hitting just .236 with a .368 slugging percentage.
Teams with designated hitter slots may consider Castellanos for limited at-bats, though significant outfield time appears unlikely. His contentious exit from Philadelphia raises concerns about clubhouse chemistry and temperament. Reports indicate that the Miami Marlins have no interest in signing him despite a potential need at DH, reflecting wariness in the league.
Castellanos’ release marks the end of a tumultuous Phillies tenure defined by unfulfilled expectations, defensive struggles, and clubhouse friction. Entering free agency as a league-minimum option, he now faces the challenge of proving he can regain his offensive form and secure a role with another Major League club. While the five-year, $100 million contract’s final season remains guaranteed by Philadelphia, Castellanos’ next chapter will likely hinge on his ability to adapt, accept a limited role, and restore confidence in his bat at the major-league level.
