Castellanos Reflects on Phillies Release, Excited for Fresh Start with Padres

The veteran outfielder opened up about his time in Philadelphia and what drew him to San Diego.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Nick Castellanos, the former Phillies outfielder, spoke to reporters on Sunday after arriving at Padres spring training camp in Peoria, Arizona. Castellanos discussed what he wishes had gone differently during his time in Philadelphia, including not winning a World Series, as well as lessons he learned from the "Miami incident" where he expressed frustration with the team. He expressed excitement about playing for new Padres manager Craig Stammen and the veteran leadership on the team, as well as the organization's reputation for supporting its players. Castellanos also discussed potentially playing first base for the first time in his career.

Why it matters

Castellanos' comments provide insight into his mindset after being released by the Phillies, where he struggled to live up to the five-year, $100 million contract he signed in 2019. His openness about learning from past incidents and excitement about the Padres' veteran leadership and player-friendly culture suggests he is eager for a fresh start in San Diego.

The details

In his comments, Castellanos said the one thing he wishes had gone differently in Philadelphia was winning a World Series, as he believes "winning solves everything." He also discussed learning from the "Miami incident" last June, where he expressed frustration by grabbing a beer and sitting next to the manager after being pulled for a defensive replacement. Castellanos said he will now be more proactive in speaking up about issues he sees, rather than letting them "pile up over time." The veteran outfielder also expressed excitement about playing for new Padres manager Craig Stammen, citing his passion, family-oriented approach, and personal experience as a player. Castellanos also discussed potentially playing first base for the first time in his career, saying he's "open and willing to do anything" the Padres need.

  • Castellanos arrived at Padres camp in Peoria, Arizona on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Nick Castellanos

A veteran outfielder who was recently released by the Philadelphia Phillies after struggling to live up to a five-year, $100 million contract.

Rob Thomson

The former manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, who was involved in the "Miami incident" with Castellanos last June.

Craig Stammen

The new manager of the San Diego Padres, who Castellanos expressed excitement about playing for due to his passion, family-oriented approach, and personal experience as a player.

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What they’re saying

“When I said I will learn from this, just letting my emotions get the best of me in the moment. Possibly, if I see things that frustrate me or that I believe aren't conducive to winning, to speaking up when I see it instead of letting things pile up over time and pile up over time and finally when I address it, it's less emotional.”

— Nick Castellanos (97.3 The Fan)

“He's very passionate as far as how much he cares not only about the team but about the individuals. He seems like a family man which I can relate to.”

— Nick Castellanos (97.3 The Fan)

What’s next

Castellanos will look to bounce back with the Padres after a disappointing tenure with the Phillies. His ability to adapt to a new role, potentially at first base, will be key as he seeks to regain his All-Star form.

The takeaway

Castellanos' openness about learning from past mistakes and excitement about the Padres' veteran leadership and player-friendly culture suggests he is eager for a fresh start in San Diego. If he can recapture his pre-Phillies production, the Padres could have a valuable addition to their lineup.