The Phillies have made it clear this offseason: Nick Castellanos is on the trade block. While nothing’s materialized just yet, the writing’s on the wall - Philadelphia is open for business, and Castellanos is a name that continues to circulate in league circles.
The challenge? Finding the right fit.
He’s not the All-Star slugger he once was, but there’s still some pop in that bat, and a few teams could use exactly what he brings to the table.
At 33, Castellanos isn’t producing at peak levels, but he’s still a right-handed power threat - and those don’t exactly grow on trees. His 2025 slash line (.694 OPS) wasn’t eye-catching, but 17 home runs and 27 doubles?
That’s not nothing. For clubs looking for a veteran bat with some thump, especially one that could benefit from a change of scenery and consistent playing time, Castellanos is worth a serious look.
Let’s break down three teams that make sense as potential landing spots - and why a deal could work for both sides.
Cleveland Guardians: A Bat to Balance the Lineup
The Guardians surprised a lot of people by winning the AL Central in 2025, but let’s be honest - that offense needs help. Big time.
They ranked near the bottom of the league in just about every major offensive category: 20th in home runs, 24th in doubles, 28th in runs scored, and 29th in both batting average and OPS. That’s not a recipe for October success, no matter how good your pitching is.
Cleveland has stars in Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan, but beyond that, the lineup lacks punch. Castellanos could slot in as a DH or corner outfielder - both areas of need - and give the Guardians a much-needed right-handed bat with some extra-base potential.
And here’s the kicker: they likely wouldn’t have to take on his full salary. If the Phillies are willing to eat a chunk of it, this becomes a low-risk, potentially high-reward move for a team looking to take the next step.
Cincinnati Reds: A Familiar Face Returns?
Castellanos already knows what it’s like to hit in Cincinnati - and to do it well. During his previous stint with the Reds, he was a fan favorite and a force in the middle of the order. Could a reunion be in the cards?
The Reds, like Cleveland, are a team on the rise that could use some offensive reinforcement. They finished 19th in both OPS and batting average last season, and 21st in home runs.
Elly De La Cruz is electric, and there’s young talent up and down the roster, but they’re missing a consistent right-handed power bat to anchor the lineup. Castellanos could be that guy.
Cincinnati has been linked to other sluggers this offseason - think Luis Robert Jr. and Kyle Schwarber - so they’re clearly in the market. Bringing back Castellanos, who already has a comfort level in the city and the ballpark, might make more sense than swinging big on a blockbuster.
Seattle Mariners: A Fit Built on Flexibility
Seattle’s offense isn’t broken - far from it. But even good lineups can use some fine-tuning, and that’s where Castellanos could come in.
The Mariners have a solid offensive core, but they’re a bit unsettled in right field and at DH. Victor Robles is currently penciled in as the starting right fielder, despite a .611 OPS last season.
Dominic Canzone, who posted an .839 OPS, is slotted in as the DH - but he’s capable of playing the outfield, too.
That kind of positional flexibility opens the door for a player like Castellanos. He could split time between right field and DH, or settle into one of those roles full-time depending on how the roster shakes out. For a team that’s already in the playoff mix, adding a veteran bat without giving up much in return could be a savvy move.
The bottom line? Castellanos isn’t the centerpiece of a lineup anymore, but he doesn’t have to be.
For teams looking to round out their offense, especially with a right-handed hitter who can still drive the ball, he’s a viable option. And with the Phillies reportedly willing to eat a good portion of his salary, the cost - both financially and in terms of trade assets - could be minimal.
Whether it’s a contender looking for depth or a young team in need of veteran presence, Castellanos is a name worth watching as the offseason continues to unfold.