Phillies predicted to finally ditch $100 million slugger with in-state trade

Matt Sullivan

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Phillies predicted to finally ditch $100 million slugger with in-state trade image

The Philadelphia Phillies' offseason is mostly complete. Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Brad Keller, and Adolis Garcia are likely the top additions.

While they could make another move or two, those additions would be smaller, depth-focused pickups. But, there is still one move that's expected to happen, as a $100 million slugger could be on the move.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers predicts that the Phillies will find a trade partner for Nick Castellanos, who's in the final year of this five-year, $100 million deal. That team is the in-state Pittsburgh Pirates.

Phillies predicted to trade Nick Castellanos to Pirates

"Nick Castellanos will get traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates... With the Philadelphia Phillies eating most of the money," Rogers predicts.

The Phillies have been trying to move on from Castellanos all offseason, and this trade would be a great way to move on.

But, in the process of parting with Castellanos and the $20 million remaining on his deal, the Phillies are predicted to eat around $15 million of it to make this trade work.

From the Pirates' perspective, they could bring in Castellanos for $5 million and a low-level prospect, or even just cash considerations.

More: MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency

The Phillies, meanwhile, would likely be happy to save any money on Castellanos' deal right now. $5 million would be enough to sign a platoon right-handed hitting outfielder for extra depth on the roster.

With the restrictions in place on the Phillies spending, that extra $5 million could go a long way. Even though they would still be on the hook for $15 million of Castellanos deal in this hypothetical from Rogers, it would be the right move to make.

Castellanos isn't going to be on the Phillies roster in 2026, whether it's a cut or a trade. Finding any trade for Castellanos would be a win, even if it's only a few million saved.

Rogers predicts the Pirates wouldn't have to send anything to the Phillies for Castellanos, and yet, both sides could wind up happy. The Phillies get some relief on his deal, while the Pirates take a flier on a slugger who's capable of hitting 30 homers in a season.

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Contributing Writer