It didn't take long for former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos to find a new team. Following his release from the Phillies, the San Diego Padres signed him to a one-year contract on Saturday and Philadelphia ended up getting a bit more of a payroll break thanks to luxury tax implications.
The Phillies didn't have much room on their payroll to make too many big offseason additions this offseason after re-signing Kyle Schwarber, even with the expected departure of Castellanos. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski wanted to find another team to trade the right fielder to, but interest in the veteran was nonexistent. Releasing him was the only way to move on from the situation with spring training underway.
Phillies save a bit more money following Nick Castellanos' signing with the Padres
According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, Philadelphia is saving $1.638 million following San Diego's signing of Castellanos. We knew the Phillies would save the league minimum salary of $780,000 but Zolecki reminded everyone that the team is also saving $858,000 in luxury tax penalties.
Phillies save $1.638 million with San Diego signing Nick Castellanos.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) February 14, 2026
$780,000 league minimum salary
$858,000 luxury tax penalties
According to the FanGraphs, the Phillies’ estimated luxury tax payroll is now $318,965,439.
Could the Phillies make a free agent signing during spring training with the savings? It's possible if there are several injuries during Philadelphia's time in Clearwater, Florida.
At the moment, they could use another outfielder, which is where they could use improvement. They don't know yet who'll platoon with Brandon Marsh in left field and are counting on Justin Crawford to play center field, who has yet to play a major league game. The rookie is expected to transition well to the majors, but the Phillies' outfield depth will remain a weak point in 2026.
Randal Grichuk is still a free agent and could improve the outfield depth. He bats right-handed and could be another hitter to compete for the platoon role with Marsh in left field.
The Phillies received a little more money in the luxury tax penalties followingCastellanos' signing with the Padres. What Philadelphia will do with the money in spring training, if they do anything at all, remains to be determined.