WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 15: Nick Castellanos #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on during batting practice prior to a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
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Fans of the Philadelphia Phillies are hoping for some significant additions this winter.
After the team endured a second straight playoff disappointment, winning just one postseason game after another stellar regular season campaign, some big changes might be called for.
First and foremost, that should come with a significant addition to the outfield. Max Kepler and Harrison Bader could be on the way out after becoming free agents. And the team should also be searching for a replacement for Nick Castellanos after a disappointing season.
“Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski told reporters last month at the GM Meetings in Las Vegas that a ‘change of scenery’ might be beneficial for Castellanos, whom the Phillies have tried to trade in each of the previous two offseasons,” Todd Zolecki wrote for MLB.com. “They are trying again this winter.”
However, the Phillies face a significant obstacle in unloading Castellanos, which could be a key precursor to making the kind of significant additions fans are hoping for.
He is owed $20 million next season in the final year of his five-year, $100 million contract. Given his concerning .250/.294/.400 slash line and poor defense in right field, the Phillies are unlikely to find a trade partner willing to take that salary on.
So, in an effort to make himself a more attractive option for next year, Castellanos has been practicing a new position. In a surprising update on the player, Phillies executive Dave Dombrowski revealed that he started preparing for a potential move to the infield during this past season.
“All I know is that I saw him taking ground balls later in the year at first base for his own purpose,” Dombrowski said, per On Pattison’s Tim Kelly. “And I think he did that on his own. And (infield coach) Bobby (Dickerson) will work with anybody at any position.”
Castellanos highlighted his interest in playing first base moving forward during a recent appearance on MLB Network. And that could help the Phillies find a trade suitor for him or help him find a new team on his own if he ends up being released.
The Phillies offered a two-word update on how his pending move to the infield looks when manager Rob Thomson commented on his practice reps.
“Looked good,” the manager said, according to Kelly.
The Phillies could have some interest in hyping up Castellanos’ hopeful transition to the infield as they look to exit his contract and bring in some new talent. But after a harsh season on offensive and defense, the veteran probably looks better at first base than he did in the outfield.