Nick Castellanos Closing in on Padres Deal After Phillies Release

The veteran outfielder is set to join the San Diego Padres after being let go by the Philadelphia Phillies.

Feb. 14, 2026 at 6:31pm

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Former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos is reportedly close to signing with the San Diego Padres, according to The Athletic's Dennis Lin. Castellanos, 32, was released by the Phillies this week after four seasons with the team, during which he struggled with a .250/.294/.400 slash line, 17 home runs, and a -1.0 WAR in 2025.

Why it matters

Castellanos' release from the Phillies comes after reports of clubhouse tension and communication issues with the team's manager. The move frees up salary space for the Phillies, while the Padres are looking to bolster their outfield as they aim to return to the playoffs.

The details

Castellanos was in the final year of a five-year, $100 million contract with the Phillies and was owed $20 million in 2026. His release comes after a disappointing 2025 season in which he was benched for one game in June following an exchange with manager Rob Thomson over a late defensive substitution.

  • Castellanos was released by the Phillies this week.
  • In 2025, Castellanos finished the season with a .250/.294/.400 slash line, 17 home runs, and a -1.0 WAR.

The players

Nick Castellanos

A 32-year-old veteran outfielder who was recently released by the Philadelphia Phillies after four seasons with the team.

Rob Thomson

The manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, who had communication issues with Castellanos and benched him for one game in June 2025.

Dennis Lin

A reporter for The Athletic who reported that Castellanos is closing in on a deal with the San Diego Padres.

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What they’re saying

“Clubhouse tension also became part of the story. Castellanos was benched for one game in June after an exchange with manager Rob Thomson following a late defensive substitution, snapping a streak of 236 consecutive starts. Communication issues resurfaced later in the season, and frustration carried into October.”

— Cole Weintraub, NBC Sports Philadelphia

What’s next

The Padres are expected to officially sign Castellanos in the coming days, providing him with a fresh start after his release from the Phillies.

The takeaway

Castellanos' release from the Phillies highlights the challenges of managing veteran players with high salaries, especially when communication and clubhouse issues arise. The Padres are hoping to capitalize on Castellanos' potential by signing him, as they look to bolster their outfield and return to the playoffs.