Does Nick Castellanos do anything for you?
The former Cincinnati Reds outfielder has been linked to the Reds as his days appear to be over in Philadelphia.
Age: 34 in March
Contract: $20M in 2026, then becomes a free agent
2026: .250-.294-.400-.694, OPS+ 88, 17 HR, 72 RBI.
That on-base percentage was the lowest of his career.
His negative-0.6 WAR (FanGraphs), ranked 145th among 145 qualified hitters.
His defense has likely forced him into a strictly DH role, going forward. He was -11 in Defensive Runs Saved. 2nd worst in MLB among RF last season.
He argued with manager Rob Thomson, and was benched for an “inappropriate comment” following the manager’s decision to lift Castellanos for defense late in a game. Per The Athletic, the dugout incident, numerous team sources said, left players and coaches alike disgusted. He started only 12 of the team’s 25 games in September.
The Phillies resigned Kyle Schwarber and signed RF Adolis Garcia. If the Phillies can't find a taker for Castellanos, they likely release him. Finding a take would certainly require covering a large portion of his $20M salary.
Any interest?
If he hadn't played for the Reds, and flexed over Cardinals pitcher Jake Westbrook at home plate on Opening Day 2021, would this be a conversation?
I don't see any remaining value. Poor hitter. Poor fielder.
I'll pass.
