Phillies Release Nick Castellanos; These 3 Teams Should Pounce

It was a big news day for Philadelphia...

Oct 8, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos (8) looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game three of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

On Thursday, the Philadelphia Phillies finally ripped off the band-aid.

The Phillies announced that they had released outfielder Nick Castellanos, who was owed $20 million this year in the final season of a five-year contract. It was the inevitable outcome after the relationship soured, to the point where the Phillies told Castellanos not to report to spring training this week.

The Phillies have released OF Nick Castellanos.

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) February 12, 2026

Though Castellanos was unproductive for the Phillies in the second half of last season, he's had enough past success that teams who need right-handed hitting should consider taking a flier. Speculatively, these three teams warrant serious thought.

Miami Marlins

Aug 20, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins outfielders Jakob Marsee, left, Joey Wiemer, center, and Derek Hill celebrate a victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Castellanos is a Miami-area native, and lives in the area during the offseason. If the Marlins, who had a sneaky good second half, decide they need one more veteran bat, it seems likely he'd consider answering the bell.

Though loanDepot Park is a less-than-ideal fit for Castellanos as a defender, the Miami offense is lacking right-handed power beyond young catcher Agustín Ramirez. Hiding Castellanos in an outfield corner might be worthwhile, plus he'd get lots of chances to get his revenge on the Phillies.

St. Louis Cardinals

Sep 28, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) reacts after striking out against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

If Castellanos is willing to go the route of signing with a team that might not be expected to contend, then bolstering his value for a potential deadline trade, the Cardinals would be a sensible option. And if Lars Nootbaar is hurt to begin the season, the Cardinals will be struggling to find nine position players to fill out a lineup card.

Castellanos' presence could theoretically impact the opportunities for fringe guys like Jordan Walker and Thomas Saggese to contribute, which would be a reason the Cardinals might take a second to think about bringing him in.

Athletics

Jun 5, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics left fielder Brent Rooker (25) greets teammate Tyler Soderstrom (21) after his two-run home run against the Minnesota Twins during the third inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

A young team that wants to contend for the playoffs, but doesn't have anyone in the lineup who's been there before? Castellanos to the Athletics certainly looks like a fit from an overhead view.

The A's probably won't want Brent Rooker to play the outfield too often, though, so this is another instance in which a team would have to stomach the pitfalls of the two-time All-Star's treacherous defense in his age-34 season.

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