The San Diego Padres have made a bold move in their search for more offensive firepower, bringing in veteran slugger Nick Castellanos - and they’re not just penciling him into the outfield or designated hitter spot. According to reports, the team plans to try something entirely new: giving Castellanos his first-ever reps at first base in the 2026 season.
Yes, you read that right. Castellanos, who’s spent his entire MLB career either in the outfield or, earlier on, at third base, is set to experiment with a position he’s never played at the big-league level. At nearly 34 years old, that’s a significant pivot - and one that speaks volumes about both his willingness to adapt and the Padres’ commitment to finding a defensive fit that works.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about trying something new for the sake of it. There’s a very real reason the Padres are looking to shift Castellanos off the grass.
Defensively, he’s struggled mightily in the outfield. According to Baseball Savant’s Fielding Run Value (FRV), Castellanos has posted a staggering -90 FRV since becoming a full-time outfielder - the worst mark in all of Major League Baseball over that span.
To put that into perspective, the second-worst FRV in that time belongs to Kyle Schwarber at -57. That 33-run gap is massive - the same difference as between Castellanos and the 40th-worst fielder in the league, Rafael Devers.
That’s not just a red flag - it’s a billboard. And with Fernando Tatis Jr. locked in as the Padres’ right fielder, Castellanos’ options in the outfield are limited. Left field or DH are the most obvious alternatives, but if the bat is going to stay in the lineup regularly, first base might be the best path forward.
Of course, transitioning to first base isn’t as simple as grabbing a new glove. While it’s a move that’s been made by other corner outfielders - Bryce Harper being a recent example - it still requires footwork, instincts, and game reps to get comfortable. Castellanos hasn’t played the infield since 2017, when he was still logging innings at third base, so this will be a steep learning curve.
But the upside here is clear. Castellanos still brings value with the bat, and if the Padres can hide the glove a bit and keep his offensive production in the lineup, it’s a win. The team has been searching all offseason for ways to boost its offense, and while they’ve come up short on a few targets, this move signals they’re still thinking creatively.
If Castellanos can handle the transition - or at least hold his own - it could extend his usefulness and give the Padres another right-handed bat to lean on. It’s a gamble, sure. But given his defensive track record in the outfield, it’s one worth taking.