Phillies Seek Trade for Castellanos, Wheeler Unlikely for Opening Day

Team president says Castellanos trade is a priority before spring training, while ace Zack Wheeler continues recovery from surgery.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 7:47am

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The Philadelphia Phillies are actively trying to trade outfielder Nick Castellanos ahead of the start of spring training, according to team president Dave Dombrowski. Castellanos had a contentious relationship with manager Rob Thomson last season and is entering the final year of a $100 million contract. Meanwhile, ace pitcher Zack Wheeler is unlikely to be ready for the Phillies' opening day due to ongoing recovery from surgery and a blood clot issue.

Why it matters

The Phillies are looking to shake up their roster after making the playoffs last season, with Castellanos' future with the team in doubt. Wheeler's absence could open the door for top prospect Andrew Painter to earn a spot in the starting rotation to start the season.

The details

Dombrowski said the team has been in talks with other clubs about trading Castellanos, who hit .250 with 17 home runs and 72 RBIs in 147 games last season. Castellanos had a public rift with manager Rob Thomson late in the year. The Phillies signed outfielder Adolis García to a one-year, $10 million deal in December, potentially signaling Castellanos' days in Philadelphia are numbered. As for Wheeler, the team's ace is making progress in his recovery from surgery and a blood clot issue, but Thomson said he doesn't expect Wheeler to be ready for opening day, though he should not be too far behind.

  • The Phillies' pitchers and catchers are scheduled to have their first spring training workout on Wednesday, February 15, 2026.
  • The Phillies' first full-squad workout is scheduled for Monday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Nick Castellanos

A 34-year-old outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies who had a contentious relationship with the team's manager last season and is entering the final year of a $100 million contract.

Zack Wheeler

The Philadelphia Phillies' ace pitcher who is recovering from surgery and a blood clot issue and is unlikely to be ready for the team's opening day.

Rob Thomson

The manager of the Philadelphia Phillies who had a public rift with outfielder Nick Castellanos last season.

Dave Dombrowski

The president of baseball operations for the Philadelphia Phillies who said the team is actively trying to trade Castellanos before the start of spring training.

Adolis García

An outfielder who signed a $10 million, one-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in December, potentially signaling the team's plans to move on from Nick Castellanos.

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What they’re saying

“That's our focus prior to the start of spring training. So that's something that we'll continue to work on this week.”

— Dave Dombrowski, President of baseball operations

“He's doing well. I don't think he'll be ready for opening day, but it's not going to be too far behind that.”

— Rob Thomson, Manager

“Communication with Thomson has been questionable, at least in my experience.”

— Nick Castellanos

What’s next

The judge in Castellanos' case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

The Phillies' offseason moves highlight the team's desire to shake up their roster after making the playoffs last season, with the future of veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos and the recovery timeline of ace pitcher Zack Wheeler being key storylines to watch as spring training approaches.