Phillies finally make roster move decision with Nick Castellanos

The Philadelphia Phillies have been making a lot of roster moves this offseason, with Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto's re-signings being two of the most important.

But a few players have also been leaving the team. Other than free agents Ranger Suarez and Harrison Bader, the Phillies also traded away Matt Strahm. But the move every Phillies fan was waiting for was the Nick Castellanos decision.

He was not going to be a part of the team in 2026, but there was no resolution for Castellanos yet. But, finally, the Phillies announced their decision, releasing the veteran outfielder after four years in Philadelphia.

Phillies finally announce Nick Castellanos roster move

Shortly after the start of camp, the Phillies announced that "The Phillies have released OF Nick Castellanos."

This was a move a long time coming for the Phillies and Castellanos. He's owed $20 million this season, and with few options in the trade market, the Phillies were going to release him.

They finally made their decision to do so, cutting Castellanos four years into a five-year, $100 million contract. The 33-year-old is now a free agent and can sign with a team this offseason.

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Castellanos made the All-Star team in 2023, which was his best season as a Phillie by a wide margin. He put up 1.5 bWAR, almost double the value of his next-best season since coming to Philadelphia.

During his four-years in Philadelphia, Castellanos put up 1.3 bWAR with 599 hits, 121 doubles, 82 home runs, and an OPS of .732.

But his 2025 season was his worst offensively with an 88 OPS+, and his incident with Rob Thomson after being pulled as a defensive substitution in Miami led to his eventual release.

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