Phillies Release Castellanos After Dugout Beer Incident

Outfielder admits bringing beer into dugout, leading to his release despite $20 million owed

Feb. 14, 2026 at 7:55am

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The Philadelphia Phillies have released outfielder Nick Castellanos, even though they owed him $20 million for the final season of his contract. Castellanos admitted to bringing a beer into the dugout after being pulled from a game last June, which contributed to the team's decision to part ways with him.

Why it matters

The Phillies' decision to release Castellanos highlights the importance of players adhering to team rules and maintaining discipline, even for high-profile players. The incident also underscores the challenges teams can face when a player's role or performance declines, leading to friction within the organization.

The details

In a letter, Castellanos acknowledged breaking a team rule by bringing a beer into the dugout after being removed from a game against the Miami Marlins in June 2022. Phillies manager Rob Thomson said he was proud of Castellanos for owning up to his mistake, but the incident, combined with Castellanos' declining defensive performance and production, led to the team's decision to release him.

  • On June 16, 2022, Castellanos brought a beer into the dugout after being removed from a game against the Miami Marlins.
  • In the 2022 season, Castellanos hit .250 with 17 home runs and 72 RBIs, his lowest numbers in a non-shortened season.

The players

Nick Castellanos

A 33-year-old outfielder who was released by the Philadelphia Phillies despite having $20 million remaining on his contract.

Rob Thomson

The manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, who said he was proud of Castellanos for owning up to his mistake.

Dave Dombrowski

The president of baseball operations for the Philadelphia Phillies, who said the decision to release Castellanos was not solely due to the dugout beer incident.

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What they’re saying

“I'm proud of him because he owned up to what he did and, hey, we all make mistakes. Nick had helped us out in a lot of ways here. He's had some big hits and big plays and helped us win a lot ballgames. So I do, I wish him all the best.”

— Rob Thomson, Manager, Philadelphia Phillies

“A lot of times when a good player has their role change with the club, it can cause some friction, and his role changed last year from where it was. I mean you played every single day for a lot years in a row, and so sometimes that can contribute to it. Sometimes then people have debates between themselves where they're not all on the same page. But when you put all that together, sometimes you just need to make sure that you have a change of scenery.”

— Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations, Philadelphia Phillies

“We've had a lot of really good memories here over the last four years and he's had some really big moments with us. Hopefully wherever he goes next, he's able to keep going out there and keep doing his thing and keep having those big moments.”

— Kyle Schwarber

What’s next

The Phillies have signed Adolis García to a one-year, $10 million contract to replace Castellanos in the outfield.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of players adhering to team rules and maintaining discipline, even for high-profile players. It also underscores the challenges teams can face when a player's role or performance declines, leading to friction within the organization.