Overview
- Two days after being released, Castellanos agreed to join San Diego on a one-year deal for the $780,000 MLB minimum, pending a physical.
- The Phillies still owe roughly $20 million from his five-year, $100 million contract and will recoup only the minimum salary from the Padres.
- In handwritten notes posted after his release, Castellanos admitted he brought a beer into the dugout during a June game in Miami, an act that preceded a one-game benching.
- Team leaders said the split reflected cumulative issues that included declining offense, poor defensive metrics and strained relationships, with manager Rob Thomson saying he was proud Castellanos owned the mistake.
- San Diego plans to use him across first base, designated hitter and the outfield after a 2025 season in which he hit .250/.294/.400 and posted minus-12 outs above average in the outfield.