The Phillies look like they’re gearing up to move on from Nick Castellanos this offseason. While nothing’s gone down yet, the idea of a trade still feels very much alive.
The challenge? Finding the right fit.
Castellanos is 33 now, and while he's no longer the same bat-first force he was in his prime, there’s still value in his profile - especially for teams looking to add a right-handed power presence without breaking the bank.
Let’s be real: a .694 OPS in 2025 isn’t turning heads. But 17 home runs and 27 doubles still count for something, especially in today’s game where power production is always at a premium. Castellanos might not carry a lineup anymore, but in the right situation - with regular at-bats and a little lineup protection - there’s reason to believe he could bounce back in 2026.
So who should be picking up the phone and calling Philly? Here are three teams that make a lot of sense.
Cleveland Guardians: A Contender in Need of Firepower
The Guardians took the AL Central crown in 2025, but if they’re serious about making a deeper October run, the offense needs a shot in the arm. Last season, Cleveland finished near the bottom of the league in just about every key offensive category: 20th in home runs, 24th in doubles, 28th in runs scored, 29th in batting average, and 29th in OPS. That’s not going to cut it in the postseason.
Jose Ramirez remains one of the most complete players in the game, and Steven Kwan is coming off an All-Star campaign. But beyond that? The lineup needs another threat - someone who can drive the ball and lengthen the order.
Castellanos could slot in as a DH or corner outfielder, both areas where the Guardians could use an upgrade. And with the Phillies reportedly willing to eat a chunk of his salary, Cleveland wouldn’t need to stretch the budget too far. For a team with a strong rotation and a solid bullpen, adding another bat might be the missing piece.
Cincinnati Reds: A Familiar Face With Familiar Needs
The Reds are right there with Cleveland in terms of needing more offense. And in Castellanos, they’d be getting a player who’s already worn the Reds uniform and thrived in it. That familiarity could make the transition smoother - and maybe even spark a resurgence.
In 2025, Cincinnati ranked 19th in OPS and batting average and 21st in home runs. Not disastrous, but not where you want to be if you’re trying to climb the NL Central ladder.
Elly De La Cruz is a rising star and there’s talent in the lineup, but what they’re missing is a true right-handed power bat. Castellanos fits that mold.
The Reds have already been linked to big bats like Luis Robert Jr. and Kyle Schwarber, which tells us they’re looking. Castellanos might not have the same ceiling as those names, but he’s a more attainable option - both in terms of trade cost and salary. For a team trying to take the next step, this could be a smart, low-risk move.
Seattle Mariners: A Targeted Fit for a Playoff-Caliber Roster
Seattle’s offense isn’t in crisis mode like Cleveland or Cincinnati. The Mariners have the talent to compete, and their core is in place. But when you dig into the roster, there’s a clear opportunity to fine-tune the lineup - especially in right field and at DH.
Victor Robles is penciled in as the starting right fielder despite posting a .611 OPS last season. That’s a tough sell for a team with playoff aspirations. Dominic Canzone is listed as the DH and had a solid .839 OPS, but he can also play the outfield, giving Seattle flexibility.
This is where Castellanos could come in. He wouldn’t need to carry the offense - just provide solid production in a complementary role. Whether he splits time between right field and DH or locks down one spot, he’d give the Mariners another veteran bat with postseason experience.
The Bottom Line
Castellanos isn’t the centerpiece of a blockbuster anymore. But he’s still a capable hitter with pop from the right side, and he brings a veteran presence that can help in a playoff push.
The Phillies don’t appear to be asking for much in return, and they’re expected to cover most of his 2026 salary. That’s a win-win for any team looking to add depth and power without giving up top-tier assets.
For the Guardians, Reds, and Mariners, the fit is there. Whether it’s a lineup in need of juice or a contender looking to plug a specific hole, Castellanos checks a lot of boxes. Don’t be surprised if one of these clubs makes a move - and don’t be shocked if Castellanos ends up being a sneaky impactful addition wherever he lands.