CLEARWATER, Fla. – The Philadelphia Phillies are actively trying to find a new team for outfielder Nick Castellanos as spring training approaches, ahead of their initial full-squad workout. This effort follows a strained relationship between Castellanos and the team last season, which led to his benching late in the year.
Background on Castellanos’ Situation with Phillies
Nick Castellanos, who will turn 34 on March 4, struggled with communication issues with Phillies manager Rob Thomson after being pulled for a defensive replacement late last season. Thomson labeled Castellanos’ remark as an inappropriate comment, while the player openly described the communication as
questionable, at least in my experience.
The tension has prompted the Phillies’ front office to consider moving Castellanos before the season begins.
Team Officials Confirm Trade Discussions
Dave Dombrowski, Philadelphia’s president of baseball operations, confirmed ongoing talks with other MLB teams regarding Castellanos’ future.
That’s our focus prior to the start of spring training,
Dombrowski stated on Monday.
So, that’s something that we’ll continue to work on this week.
He indicated the team hopes to finalize a trade before position players report for camp on February 16.
Performance and Contract Details of Castellanos
Last season, Castellanos posted a .250 batting average with 17 home runs and 72 RBIs across 147 games for the National League East champion Phillies. He is entering the final year of his five-year, $100 million contract. Meanwhile, the Phillies have signed Adolis García to take over the right field duties, inking the outfielder to a one-year, $10 million deal last December.
Spring Training Preparations and Player Status Updates
The Phillies’ pitchers and catchers are scheduled for their first spring workout on Wednesday, with the entire squad joining February 16. When asked if Castellanos will remain in camp should a trade not materialize by then, Dombrowski responded,
Well, at this point, we’re doing everything we can to make a move by that time period. So, I’ll leave it at that right now.
Additionally, Phillies ace Zack Wheeler will attend spring training, but his readiness for Opening Day remains uncertain. Recovering from surgery to remove a blood clot linked to thoracic outlet syndrome, Wheeler’s return is expected to be soon after the season begins.
Manager Rob Thomson commented on Wheeler’s condition:
He’s doing well; I don’t think he’ll be ready for Opening Day,
but added,
But it’s not going to be too far behind that.
Wheeler, 35, led the majors with 195 strikeouts before his injury last August, concluding the season with a 10-5 record and a 2.71 ERA. He started Opening Day for Philadelphia in both of the previous two seasons.
Implications for the Phillies’ 2026 Season
The Phillies’ efforts to trade Nick Castellanos reflect the organization’s desire to address clubhouse dynamics and roster construction before advancing into spring training. Finding a new team for Castellanos will open opportunities for younger players like Adolis García and could influence Philadelphia’s lineup balance as they look to repeat as National League East champions. Meanwhile, Zack Wheeler’s health will be a critical factor for the pitching staff’s success early in the season.
