Nick Castellanos Hits the Market - But a Cincinnati Reunion Feels Like a Long Shot
Spring training is here, and with it comes the usual flurry of roster moves as teams finalize their camps. One of the more notable headlines?
The Phillies officially released Nick Castellanos after failing to find a trade partner this offseason. It’s a surprising development for a two-time All-Star who, just a couple of seasons ago, was a cornerstone bat in the middle of a playoff-caliber lineup.
Now, he’s a free agent - and the question becomes, where does he go from here?
Cincinnati Mentioned - But the Fit’s No Longer There
There was some early buzz about a potential reunion with the Cincinnati Reds, with reports floating the idea as a possible landing spot. On paper, it might’ve made sense - at least a couple of weeks ago. The Reds were looking for some extra thump in the lineup, and Castellanos, when he’s right, brings exactly that.
But Cincinnati moved quickly to address their DH needs, signing Eugenio Suárez to fill that role for the 2026 season. With Suárez now slotted in as the primary designated hitter, the door for a Castellanos return seems all but closed. The timing just didn’t line up.
A Look Back: Highs and Lows in Cincy and Philly
Castellanos’ history with the Reds is well-documented. He signed a four-year, $64 million deal with Cincinnati back in 2020, but the pandemic-shortened season wasn’t kind to him. He hit just .225 with a .298 on-base percentage, though he still managed to slug 14 homers in 60 games - a reminder of the raw power that’s always been part of his game.
The bounce-back came in 2021, and it was impressive. Castellanos slashed .309/.362/.576, launched 34 home runs, and drove in 100 runs.
That season earned him an All-Star nod and even some MVP consideration. It was the kind of performance that made it clear he was ready to cash in - and he did.
He opted out of his Reds deal and signed a five-year, $100 million contract with the Phillies. In 2023, he earned another All-Star selection, but the overall experience in Philadelphia was a mixed bag. While the production was there at times, things started to unravel in 2025.
Tension in Philly, and a Role in Flux
One of the more notable storylines from this past season was the deteriorating relationship between Castellanos and Phillies manager Rob Thomson. Castellanos is known for his durability - he takes pride in being available every day - but in 2025, his playing time started to dip.
He still appeared in 147 games, but he was often subbed out late in games for defensive replacements in right field. That didn’t sit well with a veteran who sees himself as an everyday contributor.
Now, with the Phillies moving on and eating the remainder of his $20 million salary, Castellanos is a free agent. And because Philly is still footing the bill, any team that signs him could do so for the veteran minimum - a low-risk move for a player with his track record.
What’s Next? Waiting for the Right Opportunity
So where does Castellanos go from here? While a return to Cincinnati seems unlikely given the current roster makeup, there are still potential fits out there.
Teams like the San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers have been floated as possible destinations. And in a sport where spring training injuries are almost a given, it’s not hard to imagine a situation opening up.
Castellanos might lay low for a few weeks, stay ready, and wait for the right opportunity to pop up. He’s still got the bat speed, still has the pop, and still sees himself as an everyday guy. All it takes is one team with a need and a spot in the lineup.
For now, Castellanos is back on the market - and while the next chapter is unclear, it’s far from over.