The Philadelphia Phillies will be buyers at the deadline as they look to upgrade their beleaguered bullpen and try to find a right-handed outfield bat to solidify their lineup. But will they subtract a two-time All-Star from their roster?
MLB executives surveyed by The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, former general manager of the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, wouldn’t be surprised if the Phillies try to move right fielder Nick Castellanos, who has been part of numerous trade rumors during his time in Philadelphia.
“The Castellanos rumors just never go away, and for that reason alone, multiple GMs think there’s a chance he could get moved if Philadelphia can find a better right-field option,” reports Bowden. “Castellanos, 33, is hitting .282 with 10 home runs and a 111 OPS+. He’s a well-below-average outfielder and is signed through 2026 at $20 million per year, so Philadelphia would have to pay down his contract to move him.”
Castellanos had a confrontation with manager Rob Thomson last month after getting taken out of a game for defensive purposes. He was benched for a game but the two have moved on.
Castellanos hasn’t lived up to expectations after signing a five-year, $100 million contract with the Phillies ahead of the 2022 season. In four seasons, he has 75 home runs, a .748 OPS and 105 OPS+, while playing mediocre defense.
Despite his underperformance and defensive limitations, it would be a surprise if the Phillies moved Castellanos with the lack of hitters at the deadline. He is their best-hitting outfielder and one of their only power right-handed bats in the lineup. Philadelphia would have to find a major upgrade if they were to do so.
More About:MLB