Padres Sign Former All-Star Nick Castellanos

Veteran outfielder joins San Diego on league minimum deal after being released by Phillies

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The San Diego Padres have signed veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos to a one-year, league minimum contract. Castellanos, a former All-Star, was released by the Philadelphia Phillies in February after struggling with declining production and playing time over the past two seasons. The Padres are hoping the 34-year-old can bounce back as a low-risk, high-upside addition to their roster.

Why it matters

Castellanos was once one of the most productive hitters in baseball, making the All-Star team in 2023 and driving in a career-high 106 runs. However, his numbers have declined in recent years, leading to his release from the Phillies. If the Padres can help Castellanos rediscover his power stroke, he could provide a valuable boost to their lineup at a minimal cost.

The details

After signing a five-year, $100 million contract with the Phillies in 2021, Castellanos saw his production and playing time decline over the past two seasons. In 2025, he hit just .250 with 17 home runs and 72 RBIs, while also posting a negative Wins Above Replacement (WAR) figure. The Phillies released Castellanos in February, leading to the Padres signing him for the league minimum salary of $780,000.

  • Castellanos was released by the Phillies in February 2026.
  • The Padres signed Castellanos to a one-year, league minimum contract in February 2026.

The players

Nick Castellanos

A 34-year-old outfielder who has played for the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and Philadelphia Phillies over his 12-year MLB career. Castellanos was an All-Star in 2023 but has seen his production decline in recent seasons.

Rob Thomson

The former manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, who had a reported rift with Castellanos during the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Padres will look to get Castellanos acclimated to his new team during spring training and see if he can regain his power stroke and provide a boost to their lineup.

The takeaway

The Padres are taking a low-risk flier on Castellanos, hoping the former All-Star can bounce back and provide some much-needed power to their lineup. If he can rediscover his form, it could be a savvy signing for San Diego.