The Philadelphia Phillies have a lot of offseason decisions to make.
It sounds like the Nick Castellanos choice has already been made.
According to The Athletic's Matt Gelb, Castellanos won't be with the Phillies in 2026. Philadelphia will seek a trade for Castellanos, or release him if they must.
Castellanos is entering the final season of his five-year, $100 million contract. He's due to be paid $20 million in 2026.
He just hit .250 with a .294 on-base percentage and .400 slugging percentage (.694 OPS).
Castellanos has also been a bad right fielder for a while, but he could never DH with the Phillies because of the presence of Kyle Schwarber.
MORE: Pope Leo XIV just dunked on the Chicago Cubs
It doesn't seem like Castellanos would have much trade value. The Phillies likely would have to eat most of his salary themselves just to get a tiny return in a deal.
Castellanos hit 17 homers with 72 RBI in 2025, and he continues to be a strong hitter against left-handed pitching, so someone would likely take him if the price was cheap enough.
The Phillies are also set to lose outfielders Harrison Bader and Max Kepler to free agency, although they could try to re-sign Bader.
Philadelphia's looming top prospect Justin Crawford could get an Opening Day roster spot if these outfield spaces remain open. The young Johan Rojas is also around, too.
And never put it past the Phillies to make some kind of other splash in free agency or with a trade if the opportunity presents itself.
More MLB News:
- How Josh Naylor steals so many bases despite being so slow
- Cal Raleigh breaks a different Babe Ruth, Roger Maris home run record
- Jackson Chourio joins Mantle, Harper, Soto in MLB playoff history
- Guardians have a $6 million contract decision looming for former All Star
- Manny Ramirez wants back into the game
- Sal Frelick's height draws attention to Brewers centerfielder