Nick Castellanos

Padres manager Craig Stammen said he expects to give Nick Castellanos time as the designated hitter as well as in the outfield and at first base.

Fantasy Impact

Castellanos is expected to primarily play in the outfield and serve as the designated hitter with some time at first base. He recently signed a one-year deal with the Padres after he was released by the Phillies.

Nick Castellanos was not on the market long as he inks a deal with the San Diego Padres. Castellanos will make $780K from the Padres while the Phillies, who released him earlier this week, are on the hook for the remainder of his $20 million salary in 2026.

Fantasy Impact

Castellanos had a down year in Philadelphia last season, batting .250 with 17 home runs in 147 games. His defense is also a liability, but that shouldn't be an issue for him as he will more than likely serve as the Padres' primary designated hitter. Castellanos is a lifetime .272 hitter with 250 career home runs in 6,950 plate appearances and is just two years removed from a 29-HR, 106-RBI campaign. This is a low-risk, high-reward flier for the Padres as they are paying Castellanos minimum to see if there is anything left in the tank.

The Philadelphia Phillies released Nick Castellanos on Thursday.

Fantasy Impact

The Phillies explored trading Castellanos and told him not to report to spring training while those efforts continued. However, it appears they were unable to find a trade partner and decided to release him. Castellanos will now have the opportunity to sign with any team. He posted a .250/.294/.400 slash line with 17 home runs across 547 at-bats with the Phillies last season.

The Philadelphia Phillies are heavily shopping outfielder Nick Castellanos ahead of spring training.

Fantasy Impact

According to Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, the club is "doing everything we can to make a move by [Monday]." Feb. 16 is scheduled as the team's first full workout as pitchers and catchers begin to report to spring training this week. The 33-year-old endured his worst MLB season in 2025, hitting .250 with 17 home runs and a .694 OPS while grading out as arguably the worst defensive outfielder in the league.

Nick Castellanos said on Friday that the idea of playing first base has been discussed with him, and it’s a move he would really welcome if a team needed him to step into that role.

Fantasy Impact

Castellanos spent the first five seasons of his 13-year MLB career at third base before shifting to right field, occasionally playing left or serving as a DH. Now entering the final season of his five-year, $100 million contract with the Phillies, he is expected to be traded or released. His reported willingness to move to first base could boost his trade value. Last season, he slashed .250/.294/.400 across 147 games.