Call it a character assassination or call it well-sourced reporting, but it was admittedly shocking to see Nick Castellanos get ahead of a bombshell Phillies report, followed by the report dropping, only for bygones to be bygones under 48 hours later. The Phillies told Castellanos not to report to spring training after an offseason where they made it extremely clear they had no interest in bringing him back, then finally bit the bullet on Thursday by releasing him outright to seek a new opportunity.
Would a contender bite for the league minimum? Would Castellanos have to settle for a prove-it deal with the dregs of the league? And how long would the process take, after so many of Castellanos' more troublesome tendencies had been outed?
Apparently, not long at all. The San Diego Padres polished off an agreement with Castellanos on Saturday morning.
Now, Castellanos' mindset will be put to the test. Was there something specific about the Phillies' locker room that set him off? Was it the market size? Was it the fact that it wasn't Miami and wasn't home? San Diego certainly has a different attitude than Philly. We're either about to see a return to form for the bat-first player or confirmation that his best days are behind him, regardless of mood.
Padres, OF Nick Castellanos reportedly agree to one-year deal, per @MLBNetwork insider @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/rALgmY4z9Q
— MLB (@MLB) February 14, 2026
When will hated former Phillies player Nick Castellanos return to Philadelphia as a visitor?
Glad you asked: we'll see Castellanos again at Citizens Bank Park from June 2-4. That's a Tuesday through Thursday, but despite the mid-week games, I think you can still expect Philly's finest to knock back a few Presidentes for the occasion and let him know how we feel.
Castellanos wraps up his career in Philadelphia as a league-average hitter right on the dot, averaging a 100 OPS+ the past four years. His playoff fireworks against Spencer Strider will not soon be forgotten, but Kyle Schwarber's silent-but-deadly interview on Friday really said it all. Yes, Castellanos' ongoing presence had become a major distraction last season.
The 2025 Phillies likely weren't a happy Castellanos away from a title, but that's besides the point. Credit to Dave Dombrowski for being willing to eat the remaining contract even after all the Phillies' leverage had dissipated. Now, Castellanos - who didn't switch leagues, but switched coasts - can hit the reset button by the sea.