Some MLB executives think Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos could be traded at the deadline, according to Jim Bowden of The Athletic. Bowden noted that some general managers see this as a possibility. However, he mentions, this would likely involve the Phillies finding an external upgrade first. Castellanos trade rumors are not a new thing either. In the last two years, there has been offseason speculation of a Castellanos trade. Despite that, none of those trade rumors have come to fruition yet. While some executives may think this will happen, there are multiple reasons why it will likely not happen.
There is one major obstacle to any Castellanos trade. Bowden wrote that the Phillies would probably need to eat some of the remaining money on Castellanos’ contract to make a deal work. He is making $20 million a year and is under contract through the 2026 season. That also is probably what kept Castellanos from being traded this past offseason. Additionally, the Phillies may simply choose to hold onto him while upgrading the outfield in other ways. Castellanos has been the constant in the Phillies’ outfield the last few seasons. The left field spot and center field spot have been regularly changing in that span.
“The Castellanos rumors just never go away, and for that reason alone, multiple GMs think there’s a chance he could get moved if Philadelphia can find a better right-field option.”
–@JimBowdenGM pic.twitter.com/XKRZFWWoQ9
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Executives Think Phillies Outfielder Nick Castellanos Could Be Traded
Performance This Season
Castellanos has a .282/.325/.451 line with 10 home runs and 45 RBI in 84 games this season, along with a 113 wRC+ and a .328 BABIP. Castellanos has a .336 wOBA and a 0.28 BB/K rate. At points this season, he has shown improved plate discipline compared to previous years. Compared to last season Castellanos is having a better season offensively. Defensively, he has -12 DRS/-9 OAA/-10 FRV in 698 innings in right field this season. Cedric Mullins is the lone qualified outfielder with fewer DRS. Castellanos is tied with Juan Soto for the worst FRV among qualified outfielders this season.
Potential External Upgrades
There are a few intriguing outfield trade candidates who could serve as upgrades for the Phillies. Adolis García would be a great fit in Philadelphia. As noted, executives think the Phillies would find a replacement outfielder first before trading Castellanos. García has a .231/.276/.395 line with 10 home runs and 49 RBI in 81 games this season for the Texas Rangers. He also has an 85 wRC+ and a .279 BABIP, along with a .290 wOBA and a 0.22 BB/K rate. Defensively, García has 10 DRS/1 OAA/0 FRV in 685 2/3 innings in right field this year. García is also a proven clutch postseason performer. He is also free agent eligible after the 2026 season.
What It Would Mean
If what the executives think about the Phillies trading Castellanos is correct, there will probably be more moves. The Phillies would be reshaping their entire outfield in all likelihood. Mullins has been frequently mentioned in connection with the Phillies. Max Kepler will probably not be on the roster come August 1. Johan Rojas has struggled as of late as well. Trading for an outfielder is a possibility. However, reshaping the entire outfield, including Castellanos being traded, is not likely to happen. Calling up Justin Crawford instead of making changes through a trade is also possible. This will all play out leading into the July 31 trade deadline.
