The Philadelphia Phillies released veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos on Thursday after they could not secure a trade deal for the 33-year-old, just days before position players were due to report to spring training in Clearwater, Florida. Despite the lingering contract concerns tied to the $20 million remaining on his deal, Castellanos proved to be a captivating figure both on and off the field during his tenure with the Phillies.
Reflecting on his time with the team, several moments stand out as defining highlights and controversies, which reveal the complexity of his relationship with the club and its fans.
Notorious Timing: The ‘Castellanos Curse’ and Unexpected Home Runs
Castellanos earned widespread attention for his uncanny knack for hitting home runs concurrently with significant or sensitive news events, a phenomenon often referred to as the ‘Castellanos Curse.’ His reputation began in August 2020 when, as a Cincinnati Reds player, he hit a deep drive during a broadcaster’s apology for using a homophobic slur. This awkward coincidence first captured national eyes.
After joining the Phillies, similar incidents followed, including his first hit with the team during spring training in 2022 aligned with reports about Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker’s DUI charges. Another memorable home run interrupted a Veterans Day tribute during a Phillies broadcast, and on the day that a critical highway in Northeast Philadelphia collapsed in June 2023, Castellanos once again hit a homer.
His bizarre timing continued in 2024 with a walk-off double on the day baseball legend Willie Mays passed away, and a home run coupled with a double on the day former President Donald Trump was shot at during a rally. He also homered on the same day former President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race and during notable Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham’s retirement announcement—though Graham later returned to play.
One particularly strange episode occurred on April 21, 2023, when a surge of bets placed on Castellanos to hit a home run coincided exactly with the Vatican’s announcement of Pope Francis’s death. As a result, FanDuel Sportsbook temporarily suspended wagering on him, despite Castellanos going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and the Phillies losing the game.
Castellanos’ strange home run coincidences appear to date back even before his MLB debut. His first minor league homer on May 1, 2011, occurred the same day then-President Barack Obama announced the death of Osama bin Laden.
Liam Castellanos: A Source of Postseason Inspiration
Nick Castellanos’ son, Liam, emerged as a powerful good-luck charm during the Phillies’ 2023 playoff push. Living primarily in Florida during the school year, Liam’s presence in Philadelphia for the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves seemed to spur his father to an extraordinary performance.
With Liam in the stands, Castellanos made history by becoming the first player in MLB to hit two home runs in consecutive postseason games. Following the series victory, Liam stayed with the team through the National League Championship Series, which ended with the Phillies losing to the Arizona Diamondbacks in seven games.
In October 2024, Liam returned once more to Philadelphia’s postseason atmosphere. Castellanos secured a walk-off hit in Game 2 of the NLDS against the New York Mets, leveling the series. However, the Mets swept the Phillies in four games, abruptly ending their run.
The Phillies’ postseason fortunes faded further in 2025 when they were eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the division series. Castellanos’ final memorable gesture with Philadelphia was a heartfelt embrace of teammate Orion Kerkering after an extra-inning error ultimately ended their season.
The Controversial Miami Incident That Marked Castellanos’ Final Season
Not all of Castellanos’ stories with the Phillies were marked by triumph. The outfielder addressed a controversial episode, known as the “Miami incident,” in his farewell Instagram post. During a road series against the Miami Marlins—his hometown team—Castellanos was benched, breaking an iron man streak of 236 consecutive games.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson explained that the benching resulted from an “inappropriate comment” Castellanos made after being pulled in the eighth inning of the previous contest. According to Castellanos, after his removal, he brought a can of Presidente beer into the dugout but was prevented from drinking it. Frustrated, he openly expressed his feelings to Thomson.
I then sat next to Rob and let him know that too much slack in some areas and to [sic] tight of restrictions in others are not condusive [sic] to us winning,
Castellanos wrote.
He also revealed he apologized to both Thomson and Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski after the altercation. Dombrowski later clarified that the Miami incident was not the main reason behind the Phillies’ decision to release Castellanos.
Impact on the Phillies and What’s Next for Castellanos
Nick Castellanos’ departure closes a chapter marked by impressive milestones and moments of tension within the Phillies organization. While the team’s efforts to trade him were unsuccessful, his release indicates a shift toward restructuring and addressing budget considerations with the significant contract remaining.
Castellanos’ unique moments—ranging from record-setting playoff performances aided by his son Liam to unexpected and sometimes controversial interruptions linked to national events—left an indelible mark on the Phillies’ recent history. His tenure also exposed challenges in managing clubhouse dynamics and expectations.
Looking ahead, the Phillies will continue to rebuild and focus on cohesion among their players, while Castellanos will likely seek to extend his career elsewhere, carrying with him a reputation for both extraordinary playing moments and outspoken candor.
https://twitter.com/BenBrownPL/status/1508155552647503885
A somber moment on Memorial Day is interrupted by, who else, Nick Castellanos. pic.twitter.com/F3cJv6vDTB
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 30, 2022
Casty babyyyyy#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/nTcnI2SUCZ
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 13, 2024
Nick Castellanos has homered#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/2s0QNWOyYP
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 21, 2024
It's funnier when you learn that Nick Castellanos hit his first professional home run on the night Osama Bin Laden was killed https://t.co/EWOSxrGnZm pic.twitter.com/KvwLjA7jwU
— Connor Newcomb (@ConnorNewcomb_) July 6, 2021
