Phillies tell Nick Castellanos not to report to spring training

Nick Castellanos’ time with the Philadelphia Phillies seems to be coming to an end. Despite still being on the roster, there is no locker for him in the clubhouse, according to a report by The Athletic’s Matt Gelb. The Phillies have instructed the 33-year-old outfielder not to report to the team’s complex this week as they seek to part ways with him. It is expected that Castellanos will either be traded or released within the next two days.

The offseason has been tumultuous for Castellanos, with rumors swirling about his departure from Philadelphia shortly after the team’s elimination from the National League Division Series by the Dodgers. The signing of Adolis Garcia further solidified the notion that there might not be room for a player like Castellanos on a roster already filled with power hitters like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber.

In the previous season, Castellanos struggled, posting career-low numbers with a .250 batting average and a .294 on-base percentage. His performance was further marred by a career-worst negative-1.0 WAR. With a hefty $20 million owed to him in the final year of his $100 million contract with the Phillies, the team is looking to move on from the veteran outfielder.

Tensions between Castellanos and manager Rob Thomson have been evident throughout the season. In incidents such as being pulled from a game in August and benched for making inappropriate comments in June, it seems that there has been a strained relationship between the two.

Furthermore, Castellanos has struggled defensively, ranking among the worst outfielders in baseball in terms of outs above average over the past five seasons. His performance in the field has been lackluster, further contributing to the decision by the Phillies to part ways with him.

As Castellanos’ future in Philadelphia hangs in the balance, it remains to be seen where he will land next and what the next chapter of his career will hold.