Castellanos' Phillies Journey

A $100 Million Deal That Ended in Controversy

Castellanos signed a five-year, $100 million deal with Philadelphia in March 2022, according to Field Level Media. The early years delivered some of the most iconic moments in recent Phillies history. In October 2022, he made the game-ending catch to clinch the National League pennant, then gave the ball to teammate Ranger Suárez. In October 2023, he became the first player in MLB history to hit multiple home runs in back-to-back postseason games, lifting the Phillies to the NLCS, per MLB.com.

But his 2025 season fell apart. Castellanos slashed .250/.294/.400 with 17 home runs, posting an OPS of just .694, according to CBS Sports. Then came the moment that defined his exit: in June 2025, he was seen bringing a Presidente beer into the dugout after being removed from a game. He later admitted to it in a four-page handwritten letter posted to social media.

Phillies Cut Bait Rather Than Keep a Sinking Contract

After the beer incident, the Phillies tried to trade Castellanos and his remaining $20 million salary over the winter — and failed to find any takers, per MLB Trade Rumors. Rather than bring him into Spring Training, the team officially released him on February 12, 2026 — two days before their first full-squad workout. Analysts at CBS Sports called it a "culture reset," noting the front office believed his presence had become a net negative in the clubhouse.

Castellanos did not hide his frustration. "My phone was on," he told Associated Press. "All they needed was a conversation like, this is going to be your role. Apparently, they thought it was just best for the organization that my personality wasn't in the clubhouse." He signed with San Diego two days after his release.

Castellanos Finds a New Role in San Diego

The Padres signed Castellanos for the league minimum and gave him a new challenge: first base, a position he had never played professionally before the 2026 Cactus League, per MLB Trade Rumors. San Diego has used him as a platoon partner alongside left-handed hitter Gavin Sheets. Padres manager Craig Stammen praised Castellanos' attitude, saying "Nick is getting better... every time he's out there, it's a learning experience," per Sports Illustrated.

A Bittersweet Homecoming in Philadelphia

Castellanos was not in the starting lineup Tuesday against Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola. He reflected warmly on the people he met in the city, singling out a gift shop employee named Luke as a symbol of the community he valued. "I had highs, I had lows," he told Associated Press. "It was a good four years."

Fan reaction in Philadelphia remains split. Many remember his 2023 postseason heroics and his game-clinching catch in 2022. Others point to his erratic 2025 behavior as proof the team made the right call. Either way, the Phillies are still writing him checks — $19.22 million worth — while he tries to rebuild his career across the country, according to CBS Sports.