Phillies Looking to Trade Nick Castellanos Before Spring Training

The Phillies are motivated to move the veteran outfielder before the start of camp next week.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Philadelphia Phillies are actively trying to trade or release outfielder Nick Castellanos before the start of spring training next Monday. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has indicated the team is "doing everything we can to make a move by (Monday)" as they look to part ways with Castellanos, who is owed $20 million in the final year of his contract. The Phillies are hoping to find a trade partner that will take on a portion of Castellanos' salary rather than simply releasing him, which would leave them on the hook for the full amount.

Why it matters

Castellanos' relationship with Phillies manager Rob Thomson reportedly became strained last season, leading to decreased playing time and public criticism of Thomson's communication skills. The Phillies have since added outfielder Adolis García on a $10 million deal, making Castellanos expendable as they look to move in a different direction.

The details

Castellanos, 34, is coming off a 2022 season in which he hit .250/.294/.400 with 17 home runs in 589 plate appearances. While he has been durable and has reached the 20-homer mark twice in his career, his overall production has been league average, and he is considered one of the worst defensive outfielders in the game. The Phillies are hoping to find a team willing to take on a portion of his $20 million salary for 2023, rather than simply releasing him and being responsible for the full amount.

  • The Phillies' position players are scheduled for their first official workout on Monday, February 20, 2023.

The players

Nick Castellanos

A 34-year-old outfielder who is owed $20 million in the final year of his contract with the Phillies.

Dave Dombrowski

The president of baseball operations for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Rob Thomson

The manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, who signed a contract extension this offseason.

Adolis García

An outfielder the Phillies signed to a $10 million free agent deal, likely to replace Castellanos as the everyday right fielder.

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What they’re saying

“We're doing everything we can to make a move by (Monday). I'll leave it at that right now.”

— Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

What’s next

The Phillies will continue to explore trade options for Castellanos over the next week, with the goal of resolving his status before the start of spring training on February 20.

The takeaway

This move highlights the Phillies' desire to move in a new direction after a disappointing 2022 season, with Castellanos' poor defensive play and strained relationship with the manager making him expendable. The team is hoping to find a trade partner willing to take on a portion of his salary, rather than simply releasing him and being responsible for the full $20 million owed.