The Phillies may trade or release Nick Castellanos after his poor 2025 season and high salary, amid roster overhaul plans.

The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to trade or release outfielder Nick Castellanos after his underwhelming 2025 season, marked by a career-worst .250/.294/.400 slash line, poor defensive metrics, and reported tensions with manager Rob Thomson. With Castellanos set to earn $20 million on the final year of his five-year, $100 million deal, the team prefers a trade but faces limited interest due to his performance and salary. A buyout may be pursued, while Castellanos could sign for the league minimum elsewhere, with the Phillies covering the remaining contract. His departure is part of broader outfield changes, as Harrison Bader and Max Kepler head to free agency, leaving Brandon Marsh as the only returning regular. The Phillies are considering promoting 21-year-old prospect Justin Crawford, who hit .334/.411/.452 in Triple-A with 46 steals, though defensive limitations remain a concern. The team faces tough decisions on retaining key players like Schwarber, Realmuto, and Suárez, with GM Dave Dombrowski calling full retention "probably impractical."