The lore of the most recent World Series championship has worn off and now awaits the remaining offseason before pitchers and catchers report to spring training. The Philadelphia Phillies have made adjustments to the roster in hopes of making it back to the big dance for the upcoming season — a goal they feel is still very much in reach.
The division presents its own unique challenges for the Phillies in hopes of defending their reigning NL East title. The Atlanta Braves are looking to reclaim their division mojo and the New York Mets went out and spent the largest sports contract in history to bring in Juan Soto. The Phillies are built to make another run at the World Series, and one fan in particular is "all in" for the 2025 Phillies.
Nick Castellanos' biggest fan believes in the Phillies' destiny this season
Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos is well known for having his loved ones in the stands cheering on the Phillies including his exuberant son Liam. According to OnPattison's Tim Kelly, Castellanos' mom, Michelle, also cheers on the Phillies and recently revealed her bets placed for the Phillies to win the NL East, the NL pennant and the World Series.
I’m all in! ⚾️🏟️ pic.twitter.com/U70gBsLh9N
— Michelle Castellanos (@michcast05) January 3, 2025
Phillies fans always appreciate players ingratiating themselves with the city. They especially love players' families jumping on the hype train as well. The literal nature of putting your money where your mouth is truly takes the cake.
Castellanos is coming into his age-33 season and has spent the last three seasons of his big league career in Philadelphia, where he has hit .263/.309/.435, good for a .744 OPS. He did earn himself an All-Star appearance in 2023 alongside Craig Kimbrel. He was also an iron man last season by playing in all 162 games, per Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia. He hasn't supplied the exact pop the Phillies were hoping to get when they signed him, but few match his dry humor during interviews and the swagger he carries himself with every day. Castellanos has been there every step of the way during the playoff runs and his family has supported Philadelphia all the way.
Michelle Castellanos' bold bet is the embodiment of Phillies fans' line of thinking. You get beaten down, but you get right back up. The ups and downs have filled Castellanos' tenure in Philadelphia, but with the star core that surrounds him, next year is another shot at history.
The Phillies are still a powerhouse in the NL and are coming off a deserving division win. Perhaps this October will finally be the magical run to close the show. If the Phillies get the elusive last win of the MLB season, Castellanos can celebrate his first title while family and friends cash out their own winning ticket in the glory of a World Series title.