Rodolfo Castro
The Phillies acquired Rodolfo Castro at the trade deadline last season, essentially to replace Josh Harrison when he was designated for assignment. Castro appeared to have upside as he can play multiple positions in the infield, bat from both sides of the plate, and has some pop, as shown by his 11 home runs in just 253 at-bats in 2022.
However, after struggling with the Pittsburgh Pirates for most of 2023 with a .228 batting average, .672 OPS, six home runs, and 22 RBI over 78 games prior to the trade, Castro provided even less of an impact with the Phillies down the stretch. He only got into 14 games and mustered a lowly .100 batting average with a .256 OPS, with just two runs scored and two RBI with 12 strikeouts in 30 at-bats. As a result, he failed to provide any significant contributions to the team and didn't make the postseason roster.
With the incumbent Edmundo Sosa returning for another season, along with potential spring training dark horses in Kody Clemens, Weston Wilson, and the newly acquired Diego Castillo in the mix, the Phillies currently have a luxury of riches when it comes to utility infielders for the 2024 season.
Therefore, there is no longer a need to have an underproducing Castro on the 40-man roster, as the spot should be reserved for someone with a much greater potential impact.