A roster shakeup has been long overdue for the Philadelphia Phillies. The club's current right fielder Nick Castellanos has been the sacrificial lamb when it comes to trade rumors as of late, but there's credence to that line of thinking. It's reasonable to believe that Castellanos will find a new home before the start of the 2026 season.
Although on an expiring deal, Castellanos brings enough value for an MLB club to at least take a chance on him. The rumor mill has been turning for Castellanos, and the interest could absolutely grow this offseason after a recent revelation he made.
During an interview with MLB Network, Castellanos got to talking about his offseason and preparing himself for the upcoming 162-game season in 2026. He's also fully aware of what the media has brought up about his current relationship with the Phillies.
Nick Castellanos doing Phillies a favor in trade talks by entertaining return to infield
Castellanos understands what's being said about around him, but also knows that it's out of his control. According to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki, even the future outlook is an unknown for him right now.
“Well, I have no idea,” Castellanos said, per Zolecki. “All I know is that this offseason, I know that I wanted to just live as simple as possible, focus on training and being in a great spot just so I’m physically ready for 162 [games] next year. You know? There’s a lot of stuff right now that’s out of my control as far as like the trade talks and everything. So, I’m just trying to focus on making sure today, I get done what needs to get done. Whatever happens is going to happen.”
When discussing his future, Castellanos also commented on the idea of making a return to the infield by playing first base.
“It [playing first base] was brought up to me, and honestly it's something that I really welcome,” Castellanos said. “[In] amateur I was a shortstop, I got drafted at third base, I played by first 500 games over there… I think that going to first base is something that I can do, and I would enjoy, if a team or somebody needs me to do that…”
Nick Castellanos on the idea of playing first base:
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 5, 2025
"It was brought up to me and honestly, it's something that I really welcome... if somebody needs me to do that." pic.twitter.com/sikqEtQbTj
Castellanos came up with the Detroit Tigers as a third baseman back in 2013 before transitioning to the outfield in 2017. He has the experience at the position and possibly could prove to outside teams that first base wouldn't be too much of a stretch to learn for him. It certainly could improve his chances to be dealt from Philadelphia with a $20 million price tag attached to him.
The Phillies have been shopping Castellanos the last two offseasons and have engaged that front once again this offseason. With his benching back in June after inappropriate comments to manager Rob Thomson, the Phillies seem fully ready to move on from after a career-worst season from Castellanos. He hit .250 with -0.8 bWAR. Among all active NL outfielders in 2025, his .694 OPS also ranked 62nd out of 73. Castellanos has had his moments in Philadelphia, but his departure from the City of Brotherly Love seems more real by the day.