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Padres Emerge as Suitor as Phillies Shop Nick Castellanos Before Opening Day

Philadelphia expects to retain a large share of his $20 million for 2026 to facilitate a trade.

Overview

  • Team president Dave Dombrowski has stated Castellanos will not be on the Phillies’ Opening Day roster.
  • MLB insider Ken Rosenthal points to the Padres as a logical fit, noting Castellanos has begun taking first-base reps for a club seeking a right-handed bat at that position.
  • Other potential destinations discussed include the Pirates and Marlins, with interest characterized as speculative rather than confirmed.
  • ESPN’s Jesse Rogers has predicted a Pirates deal with the Phillies covering roughly $15 million of the remaining salary, reflecting broad expectations of significant money retained.
  • Castellanos is entering the final year of a five-year, $100 million contract after a defensive decline that cost him everyday status in 2025, raising the possibility of waivers or dead money if no trade materializes.