The Philadelphia Phillies are trying to play a few different markets this winter. After bringing Kyle Schwarber back on a five-year, $150 million deal, the Phillies need to shift around some money if they want to continue being active in free agency.
There are some clear trade candidates, including Alec Bohm and Matt Strahm, but another player is by far the most obvious player the Phillies need to trade.
Nick Castellanos, who's on a $100 million deal, is a likely trade candidate. However, according to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Phillies are "begging" teams to take Castellanos in a trade this offseason.
Phillies 'begging' teams to take $100 million outfielder in trade
"... The Phillies are begging someone to take Nick Castellanos," Bowden reports.
It's no surprise that the Phillies are looking to move on from Castellanos, as it's been widely reported to be the most likely move for the Phillies to make this winter.
However, this update from Bowden points to the Phillies having a difficult time finding any takers for their $100 million outfielder, who's owed $20 million in the 2026 season.
After an offensive regression this past season, falling below a.700 OPS, along with his league-worst defense in right field, it's no surprise that the Phillies aren't finding any takers for Castellanos.
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The Phillies plan to move on after Castellanos and Rob Thomson butted heads over a late-game defensive substitution. Combined with his expensive contract, poor defense, and regressing offense, moving on from him this winter makes a lot of sense.
But, just as all of those factors make the Phillies more eager to trade Castellanos, those factors also make his trade market barren.
Bowden reports the Phillies are begging for a team to take Castellanos in a trade, and it's no surprise. No team, at least right now, wants a Castellanos.
Something could change as the offseason progresses and players come off the board, but for now, the Phillies outfielder will have to wait for the way he departs the Phillies to be decided. It's either a trade or a release, and right now, it's looking like he's going to be cut.
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