The Pittsburgh Pirates have made it clear this offseason: they’re hunting for offense. And with Spring Training around the corner, there’s a new name floating around that could give their lineup a little extra thump - Nick Castellanos.
According to league sources, the veteran outfielder is on his way out of Philadelphia. The Phillies are expected to resolve Castellanos’ status within days, with a trade or outright release both on the table.
Despite still being on the roster, Castellanos has reportedly been told not to report to the team’s complex at BayCare Ballpark. His locker is gone, and even the team photo display has a conspicuous gap where his picture once hung - a not-so-subtle sign that his time in Philly is just about over.
Now, let’s talk about what this means for Pittsburgh.
Castellanos, who turns 34 next month, is entering the final year of his contract and is set to earn $20 million - a hefty price tag for a player coming off a .250 average with 17 homers and 72 RBIs in 2025. Those aren’t bad numbers, but they don’t quite match the salary.
That’s where things get interesting. If the Phillies are willing to eat a significant portion of that deal, the Pirates could have a decision to make.
Would they consider parting with a prospect to land a proven bat?
From a pure offensive standpoint, Castellanos still brings value. He’s a streaky hitter, sure, but when he’s locked in, he can change a game with one swing. And for a Pirates team that’s been searching for more pop, he could be a fit - in the right role.
The front office has already been active this winter, bringing in Ryan O’Hearn, Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum, and Marcell Ozuna to deepen the lineup. Add that to a core that includes Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds, and suddenly the Pirates’ outfield and DH spots are looking crowded.
Cruz appears set to take over center field, with Reynolds likely shifting to right. Ozuna can patrol left or slide into the DH role.
O’Hearn, meanwhile, could end up at first base or rotate in as a designated hitter. That leaves limited room for a player like Castellanos, who doesn’t offer much defensive versatility at this stage in his career.
If Pittsburgh were to pursue him, it would likely be as a bat-first DH option - and even then, only if the financials made sense. The Pirates aren’t desperate, and they’ve already made moves to strengthen the lineup.
So while Castellanos could be a fit, it’s not a pressing need. And given the possibility that other teams might be willing to pay more - or offer him a clearer role - the Pirates may choose to stand pat.
Still, it’s a situation worth monitoring. If the Phillies are looking to offload Castellanos quickly and are willing to absorb a chunk of his salary, a deal could materialize fast. The Pirates have been aggressive this offseason, and if they see a low-cost opportunity to add a veteran bat, they might just make one more move before Opening Day.