Nick Castellanos knows his future might not be in right field. He also knows it might not be in Philadelphia. So on Friday, during an MLB Network appearance, the veteran slugger made a point to tell interested teams he’s ready to adapt and to move.
Asked about the possibility of playing more first base, Castellanos didn’t hesitate.
“It was brought up to me, and honestly, it’s something that I really welcome,” he said. “Amateur, I was a shortstop. I got drafted as a third base. I played my first 500 games over there.”
Castellanos explained that he only shifted to the outfield when the Tigers traded for Jeimer Candelario and needed him to vacate third base.
But now, at age 33 and with front offices increasingly judging corner outfielders by elite range and highlight plays, Castellanos sounded ready for the next phase of his career.
“As I get older and now outfielders are really graded on pure athleticism… I think going to first base is something that I can do, and I would enjoy absolutely if a team or somebody needs me to do that,” he said. “Because, I mean, if there’s one thing I can say, it’s I’m not bad in the outfield because I can’t catch the ball.”
It's not a new idea. Castellanos has discussed the idea before, but it's more relevant now as he is starting to understand that he needs to sell himself to teams. He wants to show he still has value. And he’s willing to shift roles to prove it.
The timing isn’t subtle. The Phillies are widely expected to explore trade options with Castellanos this winter after his role diminished late last season. He’s under contract for 2026, and his offensive profile remains intriguing: right-handed pop, proven run production, and now, an openness to play a position of need for multiple clubs.
Teams looking for a middle-order bat without paying top-tier free-agent prices will notice. So will those who value a veteran willing to check his ego at the door.
Castellanos isn’t announcing a move. He’s doing something more strategic:
He’s showing he’s moveable.
And in a winter built on flexibility, that might be the most valuable skill of all.
