Phillies trade pitch cuts ties with Nick Castellanos after surprise benching

The Philadelphia Phillies are in a position to make the postseason and potentially a deep October run. However, could they shock everyone and make a trade involving one of their best players?

The Boston Red Sox already traded Rafael Devers this season, but would the Phillies ever consider making a similar move? The Phillies are not going to consider something drastic like that with Bryce Harper. However, they may have just cracked the door open for a trade of Nick Castellanos, according to AthlonSports' Jake Elman. Castellanos was benched for making an inappropriate comment after being pulled from the game on Monday night in favor of Johan Rojas.

"Devers refused to switch positions and battled management, eventually leading to the Red Sox sending him to the San Francisco Giants for two pitchers and two prospects," wrote Elman. "We'll see whether or not the Philadelphia Phillies have a similar problem on their hands with All-Star right fielder Nick Castellanos."

The Phillies are not likely to part ways with their most productive outfielder amid a strong season. However, the trade deadline is always unpredictable, and if the Phillies can add multiple star outfielders or if Castellanos' frustration grows, he could be dealt. Elman tabbed the Toronto Blue Jays as a team that should acquire Castellanos. He would serve as an upgrade over Alan Roden.

"Castellanos should come relatively cheap, and the Blue Jays are in an excellent position to make a playoff run. Toronto entered Tuesday at 38-33, holding the AL's second Wild Card berth and only four games out of first in the AL East," wrote Elman. "As for the Phillies, ditching Castellanos could eventually pave the way for another outfield-related trade. Boston Red Sox star Jarren Duran has been linked to the Phillies in recent weeks, and Chicago White Sox veteran Luis Robert Jr. remains available."

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There is also a business side to trading Castellanos. He will be a free agent after the season. If the Phillies think they can replace him through a trade and do not intend to re-sign him, he would be a prime candidate to be dealt. However, the reality is that Castellanos being traded is highly unlikely.

Rob Thomson praised Castellanos's passion and desire to play every day while discussing the move to bench him. Castellanos wore his punishment on the chin and will likely continue to post for the Phillies. Unless tensions continue to grow and spiral out of control, Castellanos will most likely end the season with the Phillies.

More MLB: Braves trading away 8x All-Star now 'plausible' after Red Sox deal Rafael Devers