Phillies slugger Nick Castellanos has seen his name pop up on the rumor mill this week, with Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reporting that the team is “open” to moving him in a potential trade. There’s no indication any deal is close at this time.
Frankly, it’s only natural that the Phillies would be open to moving Castellanos. He’s entering the third season of a five-year, $100MM contract and has not played up to expectations to this point. Castellanos’ 2023 campaign (.272/.311/.476, 29 homers) was far better than his 2022 season (.263/.305/.389, 13 home runs), but it still wasn’t anywhere close to the standout production he turned in with the Reds during his final season in Cincinnati (.309/.362/.576, 34 homers).
Castellanos has never graded as even an average defender in the outfield, and his two seasons in Philadelphia haven’t changed that. He’s played just over 2300 innings in right field with the Phils and been dinged for -17 Defensive Runs Saved. Ultimate Zone Rating pegs him at -20.2, and Statcast has him at 19 outs below average. The huge offensive output that Castellanos produced in 2018, 2019 and 2021 more than offset his shaky glovework, but he was below average at the plate with the Phils in 2022 and only about nine percent better than average at the plate in 2023 (by measure of wRC+, which weights for home park and league run-scoring environment).
As with any free-agent signing, the Phillies were surely most interested in the first few years of the long-term deal to which they inked Castellanos. He’s played out his age-30 and age-31 seasons in red pinstripes and is now heading into his age-32 campaign. As he moves into his mid-30s, it stands to reason that Castellanos’ defense will only slip further. His average sprint speed (as measured by Statcast) dipped from 27.7 feet per second in 2022 to 27.2 in 2023. That checks into the 46th percentile of MLB players, and his arm strength (83.5 mph average on his throws) tied for 142nd out of 152 qualified outfielders.
There are also some red flags in his offensive profile; Castellanos has seen his exit velocity and barrel rates drop in Philadelphia, while this past season’s 27.6% strikeout rate was the worst of his career in a full 162-game season. He’s never walked at an especially high clip, but his patience is also on the decline. Castellanos drew a free pass in 7.3% of his plate appearances during his final two seasons with the Reds. That’s dropped to 5.3% in two seasons with the Phillies. Meanwhile, he’s chasing pitches off the plate more than ever before (43.1% with the Phils; 37.1% in his career prior). As a result, his contact rate has plummeted. This past season’s 66.6% contact rate is nearly five percentage points south of his career 71.5% mark.
There’s virtually no way the Phillies would be able to move the entirety of Castellanos’ contract and receive something of value in return. Even just getting someone to take on the entire contract in a straight salary dump might not be feasible.
That said, it’s a woeful crop of free agent bats, and Castellanos still popped 29 homers with an above-average batting line. A club with more playing time at designated hitter could have some interest in swapping out an underwater contract of its own that better fits the Phillies’ roster. The Phils could also pay down some of Castellanos’ contract, but they’d likely need to include a substantial amount of cash in order to make it a palatable deal for a trade partner — let alone to acquire meaningful players in return.
The free-agent market, for instance, features right-handed bats of generally similar skill set in the form of Teoscar Hernandez, Jorge Soler, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Hunter Renfroe. Hernandez is a year younger than Castellanos. Gurriel is two years younger. Taking on Castellanos at $60MM for his age-32 through age-34 seasons when there are younger and/or less expensive comparables on the free-agent market isn’t likely to hold widespread appeal throughout the league. Soler, in particular, is coming off a stronger season at the plate but might not even cost as much as the remaining sum on Castellanos’ contract.
Given the overall lack of quality bats on the market, it’s possible there’ll be some interest in acquiring Castellanos at a lower price than what’s left on his five-year deal. That the Phillies are “open” to trading him should come as no surprise. Actually finding a way to facilitate a deal would be another story.
VonPurpleHayes
Like most Phillies hitters, he’s incredibly streaky. He gets completely locked in and hits back to back multiple homerun games in the NLCS. Then gets ice cold in the NLDS going 1 for 22. It’s rough, but that’s what this Phillies team is. They can beat anyone. They can lose to anyone. It depends which way the offense is streaking. The pitching always keeps them in games. I think the Phillies are better off keeping Nicky C.
RyanD44
Could be an option for the Cubs at 1B. I assume he’d make an average defensive 1B.. he played well in Chicago before. Could be a fit.
For Love of the Game
1B with some DH duties. The challenge is that most contending clubs who would want his bat, and be willing to pay for it, either have someone in the 1B/DH roles or would want more production out of those spots. The Phils are going to have to eat some money if they want to move Casty.
RyanD44
Taillon for Castellanos – who says no?
holycow16
I say no. Only on the basis of wanting to see how Taillon performs with Counsell. And we’ve got Morel as our Castellanos.
For Love of the Game
Cubs. I am not a fan of trading a starting pitcher for a comparable level and comparably priced non-skill position player. Starting pitching is too rare and decent=hitting outfielders are too common.
VonPurpleHayes
Phillies absolutely say no.
TheMan 3
In my opinion, best baseball movie in theatrical history, For Love of the Game
wvredsfan
I agree… great movie
This one belongs to the Reds
I’d still go with Bull Durham because I can so relate to Crash Davis being a former catcher. But both my wife and I love that movie too.
fivepoundbass
It’s one of the better chick flicks I’ve seen
TheMan 3
Bull Durham, For Love of the Game and Field of Dreams all have 2 things in common
All are movies about baseball and all starred Kevin Costner
Baseball Babe
Fever Pitch
Charliehustle2
Ryan if the cubs wanted him he would have stayed first time so would the reds so dopey logic I think
Ejemp2006
I don’t know why, but Castellanos feels so White Sockie, not so much Cubbie. He has that underperformer, bad luck, easily forgotten type of super talent that would fit in well on the southside.
This one belongs to the Reds
Dude can’t seem to finish out a contract. He opted out of the four year one with the Reds and now seems to have worn out his welcome in Philly.
myaccount2
I don’t think he’s worn out his welcome, I just think the Phillies are open to moving him if the right deal comes along. I can’t envision them aggressively marketing him and doing everything they can to run him out of town.
deweybelongsinthehall
The Phillies under DD will spend. it’s more likely by clearing Hoskins and potentially Castellanos, he likely swoops in under the radar for Ohtani or Soto.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Castellenos interruptus
Bobcastelliniscat
Nick decided to opt out of Cincinnati because he had a great year in 2021 and he was able to cash in on it in Free Agency. It’s true the Reds didn’t try to extend him, but we both know that had more to do with the Castellinis cheapness more than anything else. I enjoyed watching Nick play for the Reds and by all accounts he was loved in the club house. If he has worn out his welcome in Philadelphia, I suspect it has more to do with his salary than anything else.
LordD99
Your comment is based on only two data points. 1) He opted to leave to get the most money. Success on his part. 2) A MLBTR article that’s already been refuted.
This one belongs to the Reds
Refuted by rumor, just as this is a rumor. You claim certainty of refuting this when you have no more idea than anyone else.
30 Parks
It is difficult to believe a professional athlete can’t make himself an, at least, average outfielder. He has every avenue to improve at his disposal.
drprofsps
No thank you
Johhos
I don’t see it if Harper plays 1B.
Saint Nick
Good luck with that Phillies lol
Sour Bob
Bote & Smyly for Castellanos? Probably need a prospect or cash thrown in, though.
(I’m mostly joking because Castellanos’ time in Cubbie blue was so fun.)
Troy Percival's iPad
What if they, like, moved him to 1B and tried that guy who shaved his beard in Right?
CardsFan57
He’s now an expensive run of the mill DH. Many teams don’t even want a full time DH. They like to rotate their regulars in DH to give them a bit of a rest.
Big whiffa
I agree with that, but what else would you expect from
him going into his age 32 season ? He has to be exactly where you expect him to be at this point of his contract. He fills a need in that lineup and any trade you would get less value for his position in return. Bet the Phillies are glad to have him
JTW
Maybe send him to the Angels for Tyler Anderson, assuming Ohtani departs.
pohle
rendon, tyler anderson and $50 mil, for nick castellanos. rendon and casty would be even, 3/60, and phils take on TA.
Charliehustle2
Yea angels want more aging money on the books again ,fan logic is dopey
DannyQ3913
No one on the above list is better
antsmith7
Mariners
Big whiffa
Perfect fit imo. He will be much more costly than this article lays out
GonyTwynn
Padres maybe? Need 1st base / DH-type guy with some pop. Would depend on how much salary the Phils would eat.
Sourhaze
The padres are talking about trading a 24 year old Soto. Why would they take on castellanos a way way way worse option. Theyre gonna let a generational player go to replace with a bum?
Simm
No they aren’t, plus the only people talking about trading Soto is the media not the padres
Sourhaze
The padres gave no vote of confidence they wouldnt trade him. They have long term contracts and Soto is probably not gonna be another contract that sinks the padres. They have so many and fail to win. Soto is one year from free agency. Trading him would be their option to lower payroll and get some prospects. No one is taking one of those padres long term contracts. Not trading soto and allow him to reach FA when they wont extend him would be so foolisj
BaseballisLife
To get a 5.5 WAR player even for 1 year the Phillies would have to pay close to 100% of it plus throw in Painter, Abel, and De La Cruz.
I am only exaggerating a little bit. Castellanos has negative value. His bat is only marginally better than league average and his defense is atrocious. For his 1 WAR or so he is guaranteed $20 million for 3 more years.
Rsox
3 years and $60 million remaining on his deal isn’t necessarily unmoveable but the Phillies are going to have to eat money or take a bad contract back in return.
DD likes to trade with the Angels. Lets try two hypothetical trade proposals
1) Castellanos, Mick Abel, Adian Miller, and maybe a pair of lower tiered prospects for Mike Trout
Or
2) Castellanos for Tyler Anderson and Jo Adell
Thoughts?
Sourhaze
So castellanos for trout lol
SeibuLionsNPB
Either of those 2 trades might would work and be beneficial but do the Angels have the balls to trade Trout if they lose Ohtani and does Trout say yes to a trade. If I’m the Angels and the Philles offered those deals I would strongly consider both. Angels would get out from under water on Trout’s deal and get a couple solid prospects plus some fodder. Castellanos probably doesn’t make them a contender but is no worse than some of the outfielders they ran out last year.
HawaiiPhil2020
i think your option 1 makes sense for both especially when Ohtani leaves angels
JackStrawb
Madness. Who in their right mind would take on Trout for nothing?
Even if you could throw Castellanos at the problem and no one else (and why would you trade actual value for Trout without major salary relief??), you’re still paying 7/200m for Mike, who has picked up all of 12.8 WAR from 2020 through 2023, or what will be known in half a decade as Trout’s “healthy years.”
LAA takes Castellanos, Schwarber, and throws $20-30m into the pot. PHIL gets Trout and said money to defray what has turned into an albatross. That’s workable.
LordD99
No. No it’s not.
citizensbankparksouth
I do like trade number 1, I think it’s more likely the Phillies want to keep Abel, who could help them sooner. Phillies are in win now mode and I don’t think an unproven Adell fits that.
Alternate trade: Casty, Cristopher Sanchez, Griff McGarry, and younger prospects for Trout
Angels take all of Casty’s salary and Phillies take all of Trout’s
filihok
Rsox
BTV has Castelanos at -38.6 million
“2) Castellanos for Tyler Anderson and Jo Adell”
They also have Anderson at =3 an Adell at 0
So, the Phillies would need to chip in $35 million in cash of value. So, not a close deal.
“1) Castellanos, Mick Abel, Adian Miller, and maybe a pair of lower tiered prospects for Mike Trout”
BTV has Trout at -83.9
So, the Angels would need to add in nearly $50 million in value and that’s before Abell ($25 million) and Miller ($11 million)
So, your trade comes up $80 million (o One Ohtani plus) short.
BaseballisLife
#1 seems about right.
Phillies would have to add some serious Dinero, about $35 million, to make #2 equitable.
whosehighpitch
Marsh/Castellanos and Dominguez for Trout
cpdpoet
So the Phils fix Marsh’s swing and then send him back? Oh the irony.
ctyank7
That’s a dumb, Cashman-like move. Marsh is more of a contact hitter and as good a defensive player as Rojas.
If you think of moving Nick, the good news is that rising prospect Carlos de la Cruz will be ready for the majors by the start of the ’25 season. (24 homers but 160 k’s at Reading this past season.)
baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=del…
hiflew
Just to add a bit of levity to the mix…Rockies for Kris Bryant.
cpdpoet
Thanks for the laugh….. Well at least that move doesn’t detract from the Phillies Hot Guy quotient….?
But pretty sure Philly would hate all the young ladies in Bryant jerseys and short shorts, like I still see here in chicago @cubs games….
hiflew
They’d hate it even more when Bryant was sitting next to those ladies in about 95 games a season.
acoss13
Don’t be hating on Kris Bryant’s baby blue eyes that’s what gets the ladies all in a tizzy lol
LosPobres1904
The reason the stadium fills up full of women.
stottsylvania
Too bad we aren’t the Red Sox. We could just ask the Dodgers to bail us out.
(Kidding, mostly.)
Would be nice to see the Phillies draft and develop outfield talent instead of relying on contracts like these. I have hope for Crawford, but the farm system needs a lot of work. They can’t keep throwing money at their lack of ability to develop homegrown talent.
JackStrawb
Agreed. There is something seriously deficient regarding a FO that ends up paying $20m AAV in free agency to BOTH corner outfield spots.
VonPurpleHayes
Schwarber doesn’t really play OF. Pure DH.
VonPurpleHayes
That’s supposed to say Schwarber SHOULDN’T really play OF. Pure DH.
bhambrave
Doesn’t works too.
VonPurpleHayes
Haha. Very true.
JoeBrady
There is something seriously deficient regarding a FO that ends up paying $20m AAV in free agency to BOTH corner outfield spots.
========================
As I said at the time:
1-Both guys were bad contracts.
2-Bot guys were necessary contracts.
A bit like SD at the trade deadline, or what they didn’t do, sometimes you have to make deals that you don’t like, in order to protect the deals you do like.
Oddball Hererra
I like the idea of a deal centered around Kepler and Castellanos. Phillies could use an OF who can play CF without a noodle of a bat. Twins need a rhb who can play 1B (no you can’t rely on Kirilloff)
Money would be tricky but it makes sense
dugmet
No one signs anyone out of Cincinnati and doesn’t expect a drop off offensively. Its almost a given production – especially power – will diminish.
Oddball Hererra
The real issue was, after he had a career year that seemed non coincidentally to have happened when he was as relieved of OF duties, signing him and sticking him back in the OF
JackStrawb
The real issue may have been the absurdity of giving 5/$100 million to a DH turning 30 who, in the four years preceding his lucky, 2021 walk year, had put up a 118 OPS+.
Fire Krall
Will Myers is available
Degaz
Worth a look if the Phillies are willing to pay half his salary.
Slider_withcheese
His series against AZ was just awful. Had it been at least average, Philly winds up playing Texas.
JackStrawb
The numbers were astounding. What was it, something like 0 for 20 with 10K?
VonPurpleHayes
1 for 22 I believe. He had a homerun against Gallen.
JoeBrady
Silly take, imo. I’m not a Casty fan, but you should recognize that he absolutely destroyed Atlanta.
SeibuLionsNPB
Joe Brady that is what I was thinking. The Phillies and Casty completely destroyed my Braves. Sure he had a bad next series but he was almost impossible to get out in the ATL series prior.
Not a clever name
Giants had some interest in him during FA, those of defense already stinks and at least he can hit. If you move him to 1B Wilmer Flores can be used in other areas. Farhan needs to make a splash and has some MLB ready prospects that Philly could use as utility or backups. I could see something like Casey Schmitt and the Phillies eating a decent portion of the salary here. They aren’t going to get power out of the FA market, so they are going to need to trade for it, and I am not sure too many teams are going to be willing to give them power for what they can offer in return. Might be taking on a semi bad contract is the only way they are going to get it.
Not a clever name
Added bonus he could play 3b to rest Bohm and the announcers would have a reason to talk nostalgically anoint Mike Schimdt, and if he backed up Didi at least he wouldn’t hate it.
JackStrawb
It was a fundamentally weird Phillies offseason when they threw $180m at Nicky and Kyle, and with an increasingly unhealthy Bryce Harper in the background.
Big whiffa
What’s that ? I can’t hear you over the glow from this World Series ring
ctyank7
An ideal trade for the Phils would be moving Nick to the Mets for Starling Marte — swapping a slugger for a contact hitter, albeit one who has been constantly injured since late in the ’22 season. Marte is also three years older, recently turning 35 — but with only two years left on his deal, which is also in the $19-20 million range.
RicoD
That’s a brutal trade, in the division, for all the reasons you mentioned with Marte’s history plus age. Also, after last seasons numbers I wouldn’t call Marte a contact hitter.
VonPurpleHayes
No. Marte’s career is over.
filihok
cty
“An ideal trade for the Phils would be moving Nick to the Mets for Starling Marte ”
BTV has Castellanos at -39 million
And Marte at -28 million
Not sure if that’s ideal, but pretty good to gain $10+ million in a trade.
YanksPhan42
During the postseason they were talking about how much he’s improved on D and that he “has a rocket for an arm”. Interesting that the numbers tell a drastically different story.
YanksPhan42
…….not mocking here…..just saying what the announcers voiced vs the stats seems to be way off
filihok
YP
I’ll mock
The people here who criticize “nerds” for looking at data and screeching “watch a game” who think they are deriving their information from their own eyes while “the nerds” are being told what to think, those people are the ones being told what to think by the announcers who’s comments don’t line up with the data,
cpdpoet
Phils letting Hoskins and his 30hrs walk AND may move Castellanos and HIS 30hr?
Fake news on the Nicky Bats rumours.
VonPurpleHayes
Yup. I don’t buy any of this.
RicoD
It’s wild to see the amount of people saying to trade him, especially based on salary, are also pushing for that trade to be for Trout. Trout is unbelievable and also a local guy, but the numbers and that trade handcuff the Phillies way worse for way longer.
SportsFan0000
There is a deal for just about any player in MLB.
Pres of Baseball Ops and GMs can get creative and make just about any deal happen for the right concessions and the right returns.
Pads Fans
Summary – Phillies would like to but can’t trade Castellanos because he makes $20 million, is really bad on defense, and has been barely above average as hitter (105 OPS+) in Philly.
YaGottaBelieveAgain
Not a PHI but to me Cast and Schw are similar players except one bats L and one R.
Salary, RBIs, Ks, below avg. defense, really DH is best position
IF the PHI can trade Cast I don’t see why they dont resign Hoskins have him play 1B/DH half the games alonh with Harper.
Marsh, Rojas/pache give you very good defense and enough offense.
Then find another OF from AAA, FA or trade.
I believe they may lose Nola to a higher bidder, They need to sign at least one reliable B type starter and probably two if they can’t extend Wheeler.
At the right price I think SEA, AZ, COL, MIA, MIL, LAA, CUB, TOR, NYM, LAD, SF would be interested in Castellanos
VonPurpleHayes
Cast is significantly better than Schwarber in the field, but that’s not saying much.
BaseballisLife
Like saying a Pinto is better than a Yugo?
Comet
Weird article. Plays down Castellanos’s value on the trade market but then says there not much out there in the free agent market. His value is absolutely high right now, regardless of how someone want to down play it.
Castellanos could not handle the pressure of Philly- he’s still a talented hitter, but does better in a less stressful situation than being expected to protect Harper in the lineup.
RicoD
Comet, agree on the first paragraph 100%. Even if you’re bullish on Bellinger as the top option(I’m a big fan) you have to see the downside there is much worse over the last few years than anything NC has ever done.
On your second paragraph, Strider and the best team in baseball would say otherwise. The NLCS was brutal for him, and the rest of the lineup, but was otherworldly prior. Saying he can’t handle Philly based on a bad week of baseball is silly.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Castellenos with a deep drive to left….Thom Brennaman says hi!
Joel P
Buy high sell low typically doesn’t work out. Good luck Phillies.
filihok
Joel P
Neither does not recognizing a sunk cost
Whether they should trade or keep Castellanos depends largely on what they’d get for him and how they’d replace him.
Joel P
I don’t see how Castellanos would be worth more to another team than he would be worth to the Phillies. I guess he would have more of an opportunity to DH somewhere else but is that a good thing? I know he’s a poor defender but he isn’t Schwarber out there.
filihok
JP
“I don’t see how Castellanos would be worth more to another team than he would be worth to the Phillies.”
You don’t need to see that because it doesn’t matter
What matters is of Castellanos is worth more to the Phillies than whatever they get for him plus how they replace him.
They can “lose” the trade, but “win”. the transactions
Joel P
Of course it matters because that’s why trades happen.
Be specific. Who would want Castellanos?
The Phillies signed him coming off a career year. He’s now had 2 lesser seasons and is leaving his physical prime soon. How does a trade make sense for both teams here?
filihok
JP
“Of course it matters because that’s why trades happen.”
That’s not always why trades happen
Again, the Phillies can make themselves worse with the Castellanos trade and still come out ahead overall.
“Be specific. Who would want Castellanos?”
Many teams.
“The Philloes signed him coming off a career year. He’s now had 2 lesser seasons and is leaving his physical prime soon. How does a trade make sense for both teams here?”
What the Phillies did has zero bearing on what another time would do now. None.
The Phillies, could, for example, eat all of his contract and get a middling prospect in return (note: I’m not saying that’s fair market value just using it as an example). The Philles would “lose” the trade because the prospect would have less value than the money they paid to get rid of Castellanos. If they then replaced him, with, say Soto, they would have come out on top of both deals combined.
Why would it make sense for another team? That should be obvious. Castellanos still has on field value. He’s not worthless. He’s just not worth his contract. If he’s free, he has a good amount of value. Lots of teams would take a free above league average bat.
Joel P
The Phillies aren’t going to pay Castellanos to play for another team and then trade prospects for the right to pay Soto 30 million in 2024. That’s not realistic. The Phillies have a budget and they need money to sign a top end starter, Nola or someone else.
The Phillies wouldn’t mind getting out of the Castlellanos deal. But nobody is going to bail them out. They are stuck with that bad contract unless they swap it for another bad contract.
Butter Biscuits
Castellanos for chris Taylor and we’ll throw in Austin Barnes as a bonus
filihok
sut
Per BTV
Castellanos -$39 million
Taylor -$1 million
Barnes -$3 million
So, you just cost the Dodgers $35ish million in value
Why on earth would you think Castellanos is better than Taylor?
They had nearly the same offense last year
Taylor 104
Castellanos 109
The previous year they were both in the 90’s and in 2021 they both hit well (Taylor 113, Castellanos 140).
Castellanos is almost certainly the better hitter, but Taylor is much much better defensively. And on a smaller contract,
Better for the Dodgers to trade for Taylor for something else, and sign one of the players similar to Castellanos to a cheaper deal.
citizensbankparksouth
I think this article misses the entire reason that the Phillies would have put Casty on the trade block in the first place. The Phillies have an aggressive front office, aggressive ownership, and the financial resources to back up their ambition. They see Casty’s position as one of the very few places on a championship-contending roster where they can improve. Casty’s salary doesn’t matter to them. They’ll be happy to eat a lot of it up. Any trade of Casty is as much (if not more) about making room in the starting nine for another big bat, as it is about what they get back for Casty specifically. If the Phillies are shopping Casty, they aren’t gonna replace him through FA, unless it’s Bellinger. It means they’re considering Soto, Trout, or someone on that level.
BaseballisLife
How about Castellanos and De La Cruz plus $30 million to the Mariners for Woo?
Then trade some mid-level prospects to the Padres for Grisham. He plays elite defense and if the Phillies can fix his swing like they did for Marsh that gives them the best defensive OF in baseball and decent offense too.
rememberthecoop
I actually feel like he had a decent season, and I’d love to have him. But only as a DH.
drasco036
The Phillies made it to the NLCS this year, the World Series last year so I don’t know why they would be overly interested in shaking things up too much given the relatively weak free agent class.
With that said, if I was Hoyer I’d offer up Smyly and Bote. I’d hate to tie up dh for three years we also have a fairly limited payroll this season with some glaring needs.
Dumping Bote and Smyly would basically allow us Castellanos for 6 million this season, that would still leave us more than enough space to target Bellinger and a Top of the Rotation arm with money to spare. The next two years I’d deal with as they come but we got basically nothing from DH, third and first last year, Castellanos at DH and Morel at first (if possible) really shift that line.
Emoney123
Moving Castellanos might allow for some of the less expensive prospects to begin working their way onto the MLB roster. Carlos De La Cruz, Ethan Wilson, Gabriel Rincones, and eventually/hopefully Justin Crawford. Yes, rookies can be unpredictable but the cost/benefit might off-set some of Castellanos’ salary and allow for a suprise [Yamamoto], re-sign Nola, or other move. The play of Oliver Dunn last season in Reading and this years Arizona Fall League might even allow consideration of moving/attaching Bohm in a trade..
onthebucks
This article is an injustice to Nick Castellanos. It makes him appear as a mere shadow of the player he still is. Instead of highlighting his 100+ RBI production, respectable batting average, errorless season, cannon of an arm, and tremendous inspirational value he brings to the team and fans by actively engaging with his young son who is highly visible during most of the Phillies home games, the article portrays Castellanos as a washed-up disappointment the Phils will have a difficult time trading. If Steve Adams watched every Phillies game this season as I have, he would have an entirely different opinion of Castellanos and never written this article. The reason for Castellanos’ streaky hitting in Philly should be readily apparent to anybody who has ever played the game of baseball at a high level and understands the mechanics of hitting. Castellanos stands too far away from the plate to hit the outside pitches he is thrown. What’s more, he is a sucker for a low outside pitch, and savvy pitchers have been eating him up with low sliders. When Castellanos has moved closer to the plate from the outside half of the batter’s box to the inside third, he has hit the ball for power and average. Mysteriously, he has not made a steady habit of batting closer to the plate, and the end result has been his streaky hitting. The Phillies have a lot of animated players who frequently do as much cheerleading as they do playing. Harper, Schwarber, Marsh, Bohm, and Rojas are highly visible during games and always trying to get the wild Phillies fans involved in their games. Castellanos is not a cheerleader, which possibly affects his popularity in Philly. Instead, he is an old school, hard-nosed, no-nonsense player who quietly engages with his young son during games but not with the entirety of Citizens Bank Park. In the eyes of many Phillies fans, this makes him more expendable than someone like Schwarber who outwardly celebrates his homeruns with arrogant bat flips, gestures, and stares. Pro sports are now considered sports entertainment, and Schwarber is an entertainer. Castellanos, on the other hand, is an old-fashioned ball player. If the Phillies are smart, they’ll forget about trading Castellanos and consider trading Schwarber who is at the height of his trade value. That would open up the DH to players like Harper, Castellanos, Turner, Bohm, and especially, Realmuto, who are getting older and would benefit for a regular turn at being the DH. The Phils can’t do this with the DH being reserved exclusively for Schwarber. The Phils should also consider moving Harper back to right field, where he less likely to get injured, and Castellanos to left field. This would improve the Phils defensively. Then, they could either bring back Hoskins, acquire another first baseman, or even give another shot to Darick Hall or promote Carlos de la Cruz, their 6’9″ first baseman / outfielder, from Reading where he batted .259 with 24 homers in 2023. The Phils could also play Bohm at first base and play the highly underused and underrated Sosa at third. The Phils already have much of the talent they need to win a world series, and Castellanos is an important piece of that talent. There are many other ways for the Phils to improve in 2024, and none of them require a Castellanos trade.
phillyphan81
I agree whole heartedly. Also, does zone rating or DRS take into account that he has Rojas and Marsh next to him everyday who both cover a TON of ground. I too watched every game this year and, while streaky at the plate, saw Nicky as a stone cold winner for this team most days.
nosake
Great read and observations.
njbirdsfan
You can’t make an error if you can’t get anywhere near the ball.
onthebucks
nj, Sure you can.
BaseballisLife
Whatever you are drinking, send some my way. Only got one sentence into your delusional rant but its obvious you are seriously drunk.
onthebucks
bbislife, There’s a thin line between delusional madness and sheer genius. But I’m sure you knew that!
BaseballisLife
Well, we know you are not a genius, so …
VonPurpleHayes
Buster Olney just dismissed this rumor, and the Phillies have no interest in trading Nicky C. So this entire thread has been rendered meaningless. Enjoy!
onthebucks
Von, I get the impression front offices frequently start rumors to see how fans will react in the media. Maybe they’re looking for guidance because they realize they might have gotten too close to the action and have lost sight of the grander scheme of things. I think and hope this might be the case with the Castellanos rumor because it hit the media so soon after the season ended. What is also unusual is any advance notice of a trade by the usually closed-lip Dave Dombrowski who is well known for holding his cards close to his vest. Regardless, this thread has not been meaningless. It has given prolific writers like yourself the opportunity to showcase their writing talent in front of an erudite audience filled with would be major league GMs!
VonPurpleHayes
I agree. The Phillies FO is extremely tight-lipped making me very skeptical of any rumors.
This one belongs to the Reds
That should also theoretically make you skeptical of denial of said rumors.
So you are down to what will happen, will happen.
VonPurpleHayes
The fact that Buster Olney said these rumors are bunk is significant. Olney is pretty reliable. But I agree. It’s all wait and see. I have faith in the Phils FO.
onthebucks
This one, In theory, you’re correct! It’s just that denials change the odds somewhat.
onthebucks
Von, When you wear a bow tie in public, you have to be reliable!
Longtimecoming
Carpenter for NC – plays 1b while Manny is on the mend and then DH.
joepanikatthedisco
Problem #1: bad stuff will happen on his new team’s TV broadcast
RicoD
Von, agreed. Also Keep in mind, Dombrowski drafted Nick in Detroit. Business is business but there was likely additional incentive to dispel the rumors right away.
baseballteam
Castellanos is headed for Scott Rolen career numbers.
robzilla1572
Robbie ray who says no ?
sosaspelledbackwardsisasos
Pencil him in at 1B for the Cubbies. If he could provide half the spark he did a few years back, it would be worth it.
njbirdsfan
But does it really matter if he underperforms during the regular season? The regular season is now meaningless.
As long as teams keep throwing him meatballs and he crushes them during the small sample size Olympics, it’s all good.
VonPurpleHayes
He was a regular season All-Star, but that doesn’t give you a chance to make fun of the playoff format for the 100th time. Sorry about the Orioles. I was rooting for them. but I’m certain they didn’t cry about the format as much as you.
Red Sox Restoration Project
He didn’t perform well enough to win in the postseason either. Theres no guarantee they get there again
VonPurpleHayes
Of course there isn’t, but I’d bet money on around 90 wins or so. Doesn’t mean they won’t get bounced first round. Doesn’t even mean they’ll make it, but I’d bet they’re a playoff team.
Red Sox Restoration Project
They will probably make the postseason, but then again, everyone thought the Yankees would in 2023 after a stellar 2022… you never know. No one expected Texas to go all the way. You can predict, but there’s no guarantee. And I’d be a little worried if they don’t sign Nola. This sport is very unpredictable.
I love how people jump and assume who’s going to win divisions based on prior years only to see those teams fall. Even the experts picked Yankees but there’s no real formula that correctly predicts.
onthebucks
Cora, You’re absolutely right. There’s no guarantee the Phils will return to the world series, no matter what changes they make or fail to make. The kind of things that will make it difficult for the Phils to return include trading someone as valuable as Castellanos, continuing to use a .197 batting strikeout king who can’t run as you’re leadoff man, and not finding improvements, not just comparable replacements, for Nola and Kimbrel, The Phils have a lot of talent, but they still haven’t figured out how to put it all together when it matters. They match up very well against the Braves in head-on competition, but they’re outmatched in the playoffs after that.
JoeBrady
Maybe DD is playing the media to see if there was any interest in NC, but I don’t see why the Phillies would want to trade him. Assuming that Schwarber goes to DH, then the Phillies have 3 CF types and only one corner OF.
onthebucks
Joe, The Phils already have the goods for an ideal outfield – Castellanos in left, Harper in right, and Marsh/Rojas in center. For as popular as Schwarber is and for as far as he can hit a baseball, he’s problematic at DH because the Phils need that position as a place where their aging veterans can catch a day off from defensive duties but still keep their hitting fresh. Schwarber’s trade value will never be greater, and the Phils could acquire a top of the rotation starter, closer, or big bat in a trade package that includes Schwarber. Now that most teams in the AL and NL have seen Schwarber for the first time, they’ll be able to figure out what he can hit and what he can’t. I think Schwarber’s home run, RBI numbers, and walks peaked in 2023, but his strikeouts and poor batting average will continue through the rest of his career unless someone turns him into a hitter rather than a home run derby champ.
Red Sox Restoration Project
That’s their fault for signing him. Everyone knew he wasn’t worth that much
norcalblue
Fans of other teams with desperate executives should worry greatly when they see players like Castellanos being offered up. I don’t think there’s any question that Philadelphia would love to move this guy.
The Phillies’ “problem” is exacerbated by Castellanos’ surly, soon-to-be toxic personality. He is not going to age well on the field or in the clubhouse and I am reasonably certain the FO can see that clearly.
onthebucks
norcat, There’s nothing wrong with Castellanos’ personality. He’s neither surly, nor toxic. He’s just different from most of the other Phillies because he’s a quite, hard-nosed ball player, rather than a media personality or entertainer. There was a day when teams looked for guys with personalities like Castellanos’ and avoided the pretty boys and rah-rah types. Sadly, those days are gone – especially in Philly.
RicoD
“Surly, soon-to-be toxic”? Are you able to predict that based on your current experience as a toxic person?
Melchez17
Nick “unplayable in the field “Castellanos. Except, he’s played in the field.
THEY LIVE!!!
Put Castellanos on waivers. See if someone will take him. JD Martinez is available & Justin Turner.
THEY LIVE!!!
Jason Heyward is another.
DadsInDaniaBeach
Streaky or not, I like Nick..I won’t be unhappy if he remains. Too bad there is no room in the inn for Hoskins..I’m a big Phan…
I might as well start a bit early for my annual vent…they need arms, arms, and after that, more arms…I’m just warming up…(*_^)
onthebucks
Dads, The Phils also need to send Thomson a wake up call and have him start using his team to its greatest potential. Schwarber should be traded this offseason but, if he’s not, he shouldn’t be leading off. Turner who stole every base he attempted in 2023 without getting thrown out should be the Phils’ leadoff man. Another effective base stealer like Stott, Marsh, or Rojas, should be batting second behind Turner to take full advantage of the Phils potential running game. RBI leader, Castellanos, should not be batting seventh. Sosa should be getting much more playing time. Instead of giving them days off while they’re hitting well, Realmuto, Harper, Castellanos, Turner, and Bohm should be rotating through the DH position. The Phils’ pitchers – starters and relievers, need to be used much more effectively. Even when the Phils appear to be playing well, they’re still not playing up to full potential. Thomson has to start identifying that potential and taking full advantage of it.
Mac Attack
Makes no sense to trade a guy who goes 1 for 32 when it counts.
bravesfan
I don’t see the Phillies just trading him to essentially eat cash and get a avg prospect. If I’m the Phillies I’m not trading him and eating cash unless I get a very strong prospect in return. On the flip side, if I’m a team interested in him, I’m not taking on that contract at face value and even if the Phillies eat some of the contract I’m not throwing in a decent prospect to get them to do it. Might not even throw in an avg prospect. Phillies just need to keep him, he’s still solid enough and it’s one of those where he’ll prob be fine and people will never think twice of the contract