A year after losing the World Series, the Philadelphia Phillies were eliminated by the eventual National League champions. In 2024, the goal isn’t just to return to the playoffs for the third year in a row under Rob Thomson but to get back to the World Series.
Yet, to do so, the Phillies may feel like they have to part with one of their All-Star talents.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand has a source who states the Phillies are “open to trading” two-time All-Star outfielder Nick Castellanos this offseason.
With other outfielders such as Teoscar Hernandez, Jorge Soler, and more available in free agency, the Phillies could prefer to move off from the $20 million salary owed to Castellanos and spread it around to other parts of the roster. Another potential solution Feinsand mentioned was trading for Boston’s Alex Verdugo.
- Nick Castellanos stats (2022-23): .272/.311/.476/.788, 29 HR, 106 RBI, 112 OPS+
While trading Castellanos may be tough to cope with for some, not only could the Phillies get more creative with their payroll, but they may also be able to improve their pitching staff too. For a team currently set to have the highest 26-man payroll in MLB in 2024, the Phillies must do something to reduce costs while improving production. Perhaps trading Castellanos is their easiest path to accomplish both goals.