Phillies Release Nick Castellanos, Owe $20 Million on Contract
The Phillies released outfielder Nick Castellanos and remain responsible for $20 million owed on his contract, the team said.
Overview
The Philadelphia Phillies released outfielder Nick Castellanos on Thursday after failing to complete a trade, the team said, and will remain responsible for $20 million owed on his 2026 salary under the contract.
The move came as the club sought to resolve roster questions before its first full-squad spring training workout on Monday, according to the Phillies' announcement and team communications.
Nick Castellanos posted a handwritten note on Instagram admitting he brought a beer into the dugout after a June 16 game in Miami and apologized after meeting with manager Rob Thomson and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, the player wrote.
Castellanos signed a five-year, $100 million contract when he joined Philadelphia and he hit .250 with 17 home runs and 72 RBIs in 147 games last season, records show, while the Phillies signed Adolis García to a one-year, $10 million contract in December.
Castellanos is now a free agent and free to sign with other teams, and the Phillies are expected to use Adolis García in right field with Brandon Marsh in left and prospect Justin Crawford in center as they pursue a second straight NL East title.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this account neutrally, focusing on verifiable facts and direct statements from team officials and Castellanos. They include the manager's description ('an inappropriate comment'), Castellanos' hand-written note and apology, statistical and contract context, and the expected roster move—offering balanced, factual coverage without loaded language or partisan emphasis.
Sources (3)
FAQ
The Phillies released Castellanos after failing to complete a trade, as part of resolving roster questions before spring training, amid plans to use Adolis García in right field, Brandon Marsh in left, and Justin Crawford in center.
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