After the Philadelphia Phillies released outfielder Nick Castellanos last week, the San Diego Padres signed him within two days. Eligible to be signed for the league minimum, Castellanos will join the Padres primarily as an outfielder with occasional first base duties. This move offers the Padres a chance to add a veteran presence as they aim for postseason success, while the team takes on minimal financial risk despite some concerns about Castellanos’ previous clubhouse conduct.
The Phillies are still responsible for the bulk of Castellanos’ $20 million salary in 2026, paying $19.22 million after failing to trade him. His exit from Philadelphia was tumultuous, marked by issues that led the team to absorb nearly all of his remaining contract rather than keep him on the roster.
Padres players have expressed enthusiasm about getting Castellanos on board, despite the Phillies’ troubled history with him and their fans’ skepticism about how his personality will mesh with a new clubhouse environment.
Padres Show Confidence in Castellanos Despite Past Controversies
When asked about Castellanos’s fit within the Padres’ clubhouse, center fielder Jackson Merrill expressed a welcoming attitude. Merrill stated,
“Nick can be himself, and he can do whatever he wants in our clubhouse. That’s his personal choice. I think what he did in the other clubhouse has nothing to do with us, and I don’t think it’s going to carry over, either. I think he’s going to come in here, and we’re all going to look at him as a new human being, you know?”
He added,
“I don’t really care or dive in too deep what he did over there. That was the Phillies, and we’re the San Diego Padres. I’m just happy to have him in a new clubhouse, see his vibe, and see what he does to help us.”
— Jackson Merrill, San Diego Padres center fielder
Merrill’s stance points to a fresh start for Castellanos with the Padres, but it remains clear that the team is not overlooking the issues that surrounded his previous tenure.
Manny Machado Weighs In on Castellanos Signing
Padres star third baseman Manny Machado, who shares a long history with Castellanos, commended the organization’s decision. He remarked,
“Talk about getting a $20 million player for pennies on the dollar … deserves an extension for A.J. [Preller],”
celebrating the value of acquiring Castellanos for a fraction of his contract’s worth. Shortly after Machado’s comment, Padres president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller did receive a multi-year contract extension, though it was likely not influenced solely by this signing.
Still, the situation highlights how the Phillies’ willingness to cut ties with Castellanos due to his clubhouse issues created an opportunity for the Padres to take a low-cost gamble on a talented but controversial player.
Castellanos’ Struggles and Phillies Departure
Nick Castellanos endured a difficult 2025 season, marked by the worst performance of his career in several areas. His offensive production lagged, with a .250 batting average and a .694 on-base plus slugging (OPS) that ranked 36th among 41 qualified outfielders. Alongside offensive struggles, his defensive metrics also declined sharply, and he reportedly resisted platoon roles, making it difficult for the Phillies to utilize him effectively.
The tensions came to a head last June during an incident in Miami, which was widely noted by fans and the media. These factors culminated in the Phillies’ decision to part ways with Castellanos, even as they paid nearly all of his remaining salary to move on.
Padres Embrace the Risk Amid Playoff Aspirations
Despite his mixed recent history, the Padres have chosen to add Castellanos, betting that his ability and experience will outweigh any past clubhouse concerns. The team’s core players like Merrill and Machado appear optimistic about the impact he can make. The signing signifies San Diego’s willingness to take on a player with baggage for a chance at bolstering their roster as they chase postseason goals.
Whether Castellanos can rebuild his reputation and contribute meaningfully remains to be seen, but his acquisition reflects the Padres’ strategic gamble on a talented yet complicated veteran. This move could influence roster dynamics and team chemistry as the Padres prepare to compete in a demanding National League landscape.
"That was the Phillies, we're the San Diego Padres."
Jackaon Merrill is happy to have Nick Castellanos pic.twitter.com/najjHR2oUQ
— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) February 14, 2026
Manny Machado is asked about Nick Castellanos reportedly joining the Padres.
Machado: “Talk about getting a $20 million player for pennies on the dollar…deserves an extension for AJ.” pic.twitter.com/nNXwjk3XFs
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 15, 2026
