The Philadelphia Phillies appear to have a growing issue with Nick Castellanos, making it harder to believe he’ll remain with the team beyond 2025. Last Friday highlighted more uncomfortable postgame interactions between Castellanos, the team, manager Rob Thomson, and the media.
In a tight one-run game against the Atlanta Braves, Castellanos was subbed out in the ninth inning for Harrison Bader as a defensive replacement. It marked the first time he had been pulled since his benching in Miami, so questions were inevitable.
When asked about the move, Castellanos gave short, clipped responses—repeatedly answering “yes” to questions about his frustration—according to Sean Kane of NBC Sports Philadelphia. All of this could be another signal that the Phillies may look to move on from him this offseason.
Could the most recent example of Nick Castellanos’ antics be the last straw for the Phillies?
Nick Castellanos has never been a conventional player in terms of how he approaches the game. While his responses to being benched weren’t inflammatory, there are legitimate questions about his overall value to the Phillies.
According to MLB.com’s Paul Casella, Castellanos has long been one of the least effective defensive outfielders in MLB based on outs above average (OAA). Ironically, the Phillies’ newest outfielder, Harrison Bader, leads the league with +75 OAA, while Castellanos (-74) ranks at the very bottom, even below Kyle Schwarber (-57).
Defensive struggles aren’t the only concern. Castellanos was expected to be a major offensive contributor when he signed with the Phillies. During his 2021 season with the Reds, he hit .309 with a .939 OPS, 34 home runs, and 100 RBIs.
However, he has not been able to replicate that performance in Philadelphia, averaging a .260 batting average, .734 OPS, and hitting 20+ home runs only twice over four seasons (2023-24). The 2025 season has been particularly disappointing: 16 home runs, 61 RBIs, a .251/.295/.402 slash line, and a .697 OPS. His -1.0 bWAR this year would mark a career low if it holds, and among 25 qualified NL outfielders, his .697 OPS ranks 23rd.
Financially, Castellanos’ struggles are more glaring. He is under a five-year, $100 million contract, whereas Schwarber, signed the same offseason for four years and $79 million, is on track to finish at least second in the NL MVP race this year.
With $20 million still owed to Castellanos in 2026, moving him could free up money and allow the Phillies to revamp an outfield that has felt stagnant in recent seasons.
Castellanos remains an entertaining player at his best, known for his confidence, clutch postseason moments, and charismatic presence. His durability and streaks have also been valuable. But these highlights are becoming increasingly rare, and his declining overall performance suggests the Phillies might be better off pursuing a more reliable or cost-effective option in the outfield.
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