Padres GM Praised for Signing Castellanos on Minimum Salary

Manny Machado calls for AJ Preller extension after landing $20M player for veteran minimum

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The San Diego Padres were able to sign outfielder Nick Castellanos, who was released by the Philadelphia Phillies but still owed $20 million, for the veteran minimum salary. Padres star Manny Machado praised GM AJ Preller's move, saying he deserves a contract extension for "getting a $20 million player for pennies on the dollar."

Why it matters

The Padres' ability to sign Castellanos on a minimum deal is seen as a savvy move that could pay big dividends, especially if the former All-Star is able to bounce back after a down year. Machado's public endorsement of Preller also highlights the GM's strong standing with the team's star players.

The details

Castellanos, who is still owed $20 million from the Phillies, signed with the Padres for the veteran minimum salary. This low-risk, high-reward move allows the Padres to potentially get production from Castellanos without taking on a major financial commitment. The Padres were 90-72 last season and will be looking to replicate that success, with Castellanos potentially providing a boost to their lineup.

  • Castellanos was released by the Philadelphia Phillies prior to signing with the Padres.

The players

Manny Machado

A star player for the San Diego Padres who has known Nick Castellanos since they were kids in Miami.

AJ Preller

The general manager of the San Diego Padres who signed Nick Castellanos to a minimum salary deal.

Nick Castellanos

An outfielder who was released by the Philadelphia Phillies but signed a minimum salary contract with the San Diego Padres.

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What they’re saying

“Manny Machado, who has known Nick Castellanos since they were kids in Miami, says Padres GM AJ Preller deserves an extension for 'getting a $20 million player for pennies on the dollar.'”

— Bob Nightengale, USA Today reporter (USA Today)

What’s next

The Padres will be hoping that Castellanos can bounce back and provide a boost to their lineup as they look to return to the playoffs in 2023.

The takeaway

The Padres' ability to sign Castellanos on a minimum deal highlights GM AJ Preller's savvy roster-building skills, and Manny Machado's public endorsement of Preller underscores the strong relationship between the team's star players and front office.