Phillies Shock Baseball World: Nick Castellanos Told to Stay Home Amid 2026 $20 Million Standoff

Heading into the 2026 MLB campaign, the situation surrounding Nick Castellanos and his contract with the Philadelphia Phillies couldn’t be more telling. Here’s a hefty slugger, once the cornerstone of what promised to be a thrilling new chapter for the Phillies, now sitting on a contract with just a single year left—$20 million on the table from a $100 million pact that once sparked optimism. The whispers turned loud back in October when reports emerged that the Phillies are gearing up to either trade or cut ties with Castellanos before the season even starts. Yet, as pitchers and catchers make their way to spring training, Castellanos technically remains under the Phillies umbrella—though it’s clear the club’s mindset has shifted. No locker awaits him at Clearwater, and word has it he’s been asked to skip spring drills altogether. A decision—trade or release—looks to be on the horizon any day now. With a new right fielder in Adolis García ready to claim the spotlight, and Castellanos’ 2025 performance falling well below expectations both at the plate and in the field, it feels like the final chapter for Nick in Philly is closing fast. At 33, the chances for a resurgence look slim, and the Phillies appear ready to embrace a fresh outfield mix led by García, Brandon Marsh, and rookie Justin Crawford. It’s a poignant pivot for a player who once shone brightly but now finds himself on the outs. LEARN MORE

As we prepare for the 2026 MLB season, the contract of Philadelphia Phillies slugger Nick Castellanos is not what you would describe as a prime asset.

There is one year and $20 million left on a $100 million deal that once helped herald a new era of Phillies baseball, and Philadelphia has made clear it has no plans for Castellanos to spend that year on its active roster.

There is no locker for Castellanos at the Phillies’ spring training complex in Clearwater, and the club has reportedly told him not to report to the complex this week. A resolution to the situation is expected in the next two days, be it a trade or release.

At 33 years old, he’s hardly expected to be better this season, so the Phillies are moving on. Any trade will almost certainly see them eating the vast majority of his 2026 money, because this is an area where they have zero leverage barring multiple teams viewing Castellanos as a bounceback candidate.

Meanwhile, the Phillies seem set to roll out an outfield of García in right, Brandon Marsh in left and rookie Justin Crawford in center for 2026.