Blue Jays Predicted to Sign Phillies' $20M Reject, Silver Slugger Winner After Losing Kyle Tucker

This deal could be very beneficial after Anthony Santander's injury and missing out on Kyle Tucker.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Toronto Blue Jays missed out on signing star outfielder Kyle Tucker, who agreed to a four-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. With outfielder Anthony Santander expected to miss 5-6 months after shoulder surgery, the Blue Jays are now looking to add a veteran presence to their lineup. One potential target is Nick Castellanos, who was recently released by the Philadelphia Phillies.

Why it matters

The Blue Jays are looking to bolster their roster after losing out on Tucker, one of the top free agents this offseason. Signing Castellanos could provide a powerful right-handed bat to their lineup, though his defensive limitations are a concern. This move would help offset the loss of Santander and give the Blue Jays more veteran experience as they aim to return to the playoffs.

The details

Nick Castellanos was released by the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday after the team was unable to trade him. Castellanos revealed he was benched last season after bringing beer into the dugout during a game, and the Phillies wanted the situation resolved before their first full-squad workout at spring training. Despite his defensive shortcomings, Castellanos would provide the Blue Jays with a veteran presence and offensive upside, which could be valuable after the team missed out on signing Tucker.

  • On Thursday, the Philadelphia Phillies released outfielder Nick Castellanos.
  • The Toronto Blue Jays' outfielder Anthony Santander is expected to miss 5-6 months after undergoing shoulder surgery.

The players

Nick Castellanos

A veteran outfielder who was recently released by the Philadelphia Phillies.

Kyle Tucker

A star outfielder who agreed to a four-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Anthony Santander

An outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays who is expected to miss 5-6 months after undergoing shoulder surgery.

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What’s next

The Blue Jays will continue to monitor the free agent market and explore potential trades as they look to bolster their roster after missing out on Kyle Tucker.

The takeaway

The Blue Jays' pursuit of Nick Castellanos highlights their need to add a veteran presence to their lineup after losing Kyle Tucker and dealing with Anthony Santander's injury. While Castellanos has defensive limitations, his offensive upside could make him a valuable addition as the Blue Jays aim to return to the playoffs.