The Phillies are heading into the 2026 season with high hopes and a retooled roster-but one major question still looms large: What’s next for Nick Castellanos?
After a few seasons of ups and downs in Philadelphia, Castellanos now finds himself the odd man out. The Phillies made a splash in free agency by signing Adolis García to take over right field.
Brandon Marsh is locked into left, and top prospect Justin Crawford is expected to get a real shot in center. Add in Kyle Schwarber, who’s firmly entrenched as the designated hitter, and it’s clear there’s no room left for Castellanos in the starting lineup.
That leaves the Phillies in a tough spot. Castellanos is set to make $20 million this season-solid money for a middle-of-the-order bat, but a steep price for a fourth outfielder. And with his contract expiring after 2026, the clock is ticking on finding a trade partner.
The good news? There’s a potential fit just a few hundred miles west.
Enter the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Pirates have been floated as a possible landing spot for Castellanos this offseason, and there’s a lot about this pairing that makes sense. Pittsburgh desperately needs offense-they finished dead last in MLB in runs scored last year with just 583-and Castellanos, even in a down year, would’ve been one of their most productive hitters.
He hit .250 with 17 home runs and 72 RBIs in 2025. Those numbers might not jump off the page for a player of his caliber, but they would’ve ranked second on the Pirates in both homers and RBIs.
That kind of production, paired with Castellanos’ veteran presence, could be exactly what the Pirates need-especially if Andrew McCutchen doesn’t return. And while the Pirates have added a few pieces this winter, including DH Ryan O’Hearn and outfielder Jake Mangum, there’s still room to reshape the lineup. Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds are locked into the outfield mix, but a bat like Castellanos’ could force some creative maneuvering, and that’s not a bad problem to have for a team looking to take a step forward.
Financially, this would require some cooperation. The Pirates have one of the lowest payrolls in baseball-just over $133 million, per Spotrac-and taking on Castellanos’ full $20 million salary probably isn’t in the cards.
But if the Phillies are willing to eat a significant chunk-say, $15 million-it becomes a much more manageable deal for Pittsburgh. Even if the Pirates have to kick in a low-level prospect or two, it could be a worthwhile investment for a team trying to bolster its offense without breaking the bank.
And from the Phillies’ perspective, it’s about getting something-anything-in return before potentially cutting ties outright. Castellanos still has value, and while the trade market may not be overflowing with suitors, Pittsburgh represents a realistic and mutually beneficial option.
He’s a proven bat with postseason experience and a track record of stepping up in big moments. In the right environment, with regular at-bats and a fresh start, there’s reason to believe he could bounce back in a big way.
The writing’s on the wall: Castellanos’ time in Philly is nearing its end. Now it’s about finding the right fit. And if the Phillies and Pirates can make the dollars work, this could be a win-win for both sides-one team shedding a logjam and some salary, the other adding a much-needed bat with upside.
It’s not the blockbuster deal of the offseason, but it might just be one of the more quietly important ones.