Phillies reportedly deciding fate of $20M veteran before Spring Training after Bo Bichette whiff

Hunter Cookston

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Phillies reportedly deciding fate of $20M veteran before Spring Training after Bo Bichette whiff image

The Philadelphia Phillies have brought back some familiar faces this offseason, but they also hoped to land a few big-name additions. However, that didn’t materialize—even though the organization, along with much of the baseball world, expected Bo Bichette to join the Phillies.

“I did think we were going to get a deal done...We were close....It was a gut punch....But until you have a signed memo of understanding, you don't have a deal,” Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski said.

With the offseason now largely over, Dombrowski faces a decision regarding veteran right fielder Nick Castellanos.

“The Phillies are expected to either trade or release the veteran outfielder, club sources have said. Dombrowski’s reluctance to say anything about Castellanos on Thursday affirmed that stance. When asked about Castellanos, Dombrowski said he could not comment on ‘specific players that are on our roster under contract,’ then spent the next 34 minutes doing just that,” The Athletic’s Matt Gelb wrote.

Those comments came before the offseason officially began, but now that moves have been made, the Phillies appear to have reached a decision on Castellanos. The right fielder will not be on the roster when Spring Training starts.

“No change, but the Phillies still plan to part ways with Nick Castellanos before spring training. They're trying to find somebody to pay even a small piece of his $20 million salary,” Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki posted.

Castellanos had a strong start to his career in Philadelphia, but last season was marked by considerable drama between the player and the organization. The Phillies are in a solid position without him, so there is no hesitation in moving on.

The team signed Adolis Garcia, who is expected to be the starting right fielder when the season begins. For Castellanos, this will provide a much-needed fresh start elsewhere.

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