A Phillies' Nick Castellanos trade is not an 'if,' but a 'when,' according to an MLB insider

A Phillies' Nick Castellanos trade is not an 'if,' but a 'when,' according to an MLB insider originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Philadelphia Phillies are looking to make a deep postseason run this October, with a goal of winning the World Series. It's one of the best chances they will get during this era of Phillies baseball, even without Zack Wheeler.

One of the big changes for the Phillies this season, compared to the last few, has been the change surrounding Nick Castellanos. He's become a platoon right fielder with Max Kepler, and while it's not a cost-effective move, it's found success this season.

However, this offseason, a trade of Castellanos is on the table. For MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, a trade of Castellanos is no longer an "if," but rather a "when and how." Philadelphia is expected to part with the $100 million outfielder this offseason after four years of his five-year contract.

The Phillies are expected to trade Nick Castellanos

"The question for the Phillies is not whether they will bring back outfielder Nick Castellanos," Nightengale writes, "but how much will it cost when they trade him away, realizing they will have to eat a substantial portion of his $20 million contract in 2026."

Castellanos is likely in the final year of his Phillies tenure. A World Series championship this fall would help end it on a high note, but it would still be an underwhelming stint in Philadelphia.

He's been a solid hitter, but has regressed significantly in the outfield, as he's one of the worst defenders in baseball. In 2022, Castellanos had a .694 OPS, which was the lowest of his Phillies tenure. This season, it's at a .709, which, other than 2022, is the lowest it's been since 2014.

In the postseason with the Phillies, Castellanos has been a good hitter. In 34 games since coming to the Phillies in 2022, Castellanos is hitting .225 in October with a .687 OPS. But since 2023, Castellanos has had an .898 OPS in the postseason.

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As Nightengale points out, the Phillies' trading Castellanos is not an "if," but rather a "when and how." He's likely playing the final year with the Phillies, and the only holdup this winter will be where he's dealt, and how much money the Phillies eat to make it work.

Castellanos has one year left on his current contract at $20 million, and with his subpar defense and off-the-field problems, which have been stirred up this season, a team interested in the Phillies outfielder might not be easy to find.

But, if a team does come up, the Phillies are expected to make the trade, saving some money and opening up a roster spot for one of their outfield prospects or a free agent signing this offseason.

A lot of change is coming for the Phillies after the 2025 season, and Castellanos, despite being under contract for another year, is as good as gone from the team. The only question left is where he's traded to, and how much money the Phillies need to take on to make it work.

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