Padres Sign Veteran Outfielder Castellanos After Phillies Release

San Diego gives Castellanos a fresh start after his rocky ending in Philadelphia.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The San Diego Padres have signed veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos after he was released by the Philadelphia Phillies with one year and $20 million remaining on his contract. The Padres did their due diligence, speaking to core players like Manny Machado, before signing Castellanos, who is thankful for the opportunity to start fresh in San Diego.

Why it matters

Castellanos had a public and messy ending with the Phillies, openly disagreeing with his manager over playing time and bringing a beer into the dugout after being pulled from a game. The Padres are hoping Castellanos can regain his better form at the plate and provide a boost to their offense, which struggled to score runs last season.

The details

Castellanos, 33, hit .250 with 17 home runs and 72 RBIs last season with the Phillies. The Padres plan to use him in right field, left field and at designated hitter, and he'll also get reps at first base during spring training. The Padres will only have to pay Castellanos the MLB minimum, as the Phillies are on the hook for the rest of his $20 million contract this season.

  • Castellanos was released by the Phillies in February 2026.

The players

Nick Castellanos

A 33-year-old veteran outfielder who was recently released by the Philadelphia Phillies with one year and $20 million remaining on his contract.

Manny Machado

The Padres' star third baseman who grew up in South Florida and became friends with Castellanos.

AJ Preller

The Padres' general manager who spoke with Castellanos and core players before signing him to a fresh start in San Diego.

Craig Stammen

The Padres' manager who plans to use Castellanos in the outfield, at designated hitter, and at first base during spring training.

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What they’re saying

“They're giving me an opportunity. That's all I can ask for -- to be able to come here, be myself, work hard, make the club, earn my playing time and just help in any way that I can.”

— Nick Castellanos (6abc.com)

“Ultimately, when people own up to 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. Hopefully, hits about .290 with 20 [ home runs ].”

— AJ Preller, Padres General Manager (6abc.com)

“Talk about getting a $20 million player for pennies on the dollar. Think that deserves an extension for AJ. Couldn't ask for a better teammate to come here and be a part of it. ... I think he wanted a fresh start.”

— Manny Machado (6abc.com)

What’s next

The Padres will monitor Castellanos' performance during spring training as he competes for playing time in the outfield, at designated hitter, and at first base.

The takeaway

The Padres are taking a low-risk, high-reward gamble on Castellanos, giving the veteran outfielder a fresh start after his messy exit from the Phillies. If Castellanos can regain his form at the plate, he could provide a much-needed boost to the Padres' offense as they look to contend in the NL West.