Padres Sign Castellanos, Hoping for Fresh Start After Messy Phillies Exit

Veteran slugger eager to contribute to San Diego's World Series aspirations after tumultuous 2025 season in Philadelphia.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The San Diego Padres have signed veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos to a major-league minimum contract, hoping the 33-year-old can provide a power boost to their lineup after a messy exit from the Philadelphia Phillies. Castellanos, a two-time All-Star, is looking to put his tumultuous 2025 season behind him and contribute to the Padres' quest for their first World Series championship.

Why it matters

Castellanos' acquisition represents a low-risk, high-upside move for the Padres, who are aiming to contend for a championship this season. Despite his struggles in Philadelphia, Castellanos remains a proven power hitter who could provide a significant boost to San Diego's offense. The Padres are also hoping Castellanos can embrace a more versatile role, potentially seeing time at first base, designated hitter, and the outfield corners.

The details

Castellanos, who was released by the Phillies earlier this offseason, signed with the Padres for the major-league minimum. He had a public falling out with the Phillies last season, including an incident where he brought a beer into the dugout after being pulled from a game. The Padres are hoping a change of scenery and a fresh start will help Castellanos regain his form, and they believe his candor and willingness to embrace a new role will be assets in San Diego.

  • Castellanos was released by the Phillies earlier this offseason.
  • Castellanos signed with the Padres on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Nick Castellanos

A 33-year-old veteran outfielder who has signed with the San Diego Padres after a tumultuous 2025 season with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Manny Machado

The star third baseman for the San Diego Padres, who has known Castellanos since they were young ballplayers in South Florida.

A.J. Preller

The president of baseball operations for the San Diego Padres, who decided to sign Castellanos after consulting with the team's veteran leaders.

Craig Stammen

The manager of the San Diego Padres, who believes Castellanos will be a good fit for the team and embrace a versatile role.

Rob Thomson

The former manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, whom Castellanos said he had issues with regarding the team's approach to winning.

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What they’re saying

“I couldn't ask for a better teammate to come here and be a part of it. I think for us, it all started in Miami, Florida, as kids. Now we're here living every kid's dream, playing in the big leagues at the highest level together.”

— Manny Machado (nytimes.com)

“He was just super forthright about the last year in Philly, the incident that was written about. Like we talk about all the time, I make many mistakes in this job. But ultimately, when people own up to those mistakes — and he did that in our call — it's about giving guys another opportunity. And he gets a fresh start here and a fresh opportunity.”

— A.J. Preller, President of Baseball Operations, San Diego Padres (nytimes.com)

“I think he's going to fit great. You know, things happened in Philly we don't know about. I don't know how that all goes down. Not really that worried about it. It's not saying that anybody's in the wrong or anybody's in the right. It just, like, didn't work out (in Philadelphia). We'll do our best with how we know how to do things and make it the best situation we can possibly make it.”

— Craig Stammen, Manager, San Diego Padres (nytimes.com)

“At the end of the day, business is business. But for me as a player, seeing it from this side of it, I see a guy who's accomplished a lot. I really don't know the details of what happened over there. I don't really care, honestly. I'm just happy we got him for what we got him for, and he's going to improve our team tremendously.”

— Manny Machado (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The Padres will closely monitor Castellanos' progress as he transitions to a more versatile role, including his development at first base, a position he has never played professionally. The team will also be watching to see if Castellanos can avoid any further off-field incidents and maintain a positive clubhouse presence.

The takeaway

Castellanos' acquisition represents a low-risk, high-upside move for the Padres as they aim to contend for a World Series championship. If Castellanos can regain his form and embrace a new role, he could provide a significant boost to San Diego's lineup and help the team achieve its goal of winning the first title in franchise history.