Nick Castellanos Reportedly Signs Padres Contract After Phillies Release, Updated Roster & Payroll
Nick Castellanos reportedly has found his new team.
Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post and MLB Network, the veteran right fielder agreed to a minimum deal with the San Diego Padres following his release from the Philadelphia Phillies.
The MLB minimum salary for 2026 is $780,000, which the Padres will pay. Philadelphia is still on the hook for the remaining $19.22 million Castellanos was owed.
San Diego entered the day with a $259.5 million tax payroll, so Castellanos' salary will push the club just over $260 million.
Padres' 2026 Projected Lineup
- Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
- Jackson Merrill, CF
- Manny Machado, 3B
- Ramón Laureano, LF
- Gavin Sheets, 1B
- Xander Bogaerts, SS
- Jake Cronenworth, 2B
- Nick Castellanos, DH
- Freddy Fermin, C
Castellanos saw a drop in production in 2025, hitting 17 home runs and 72 RBI while recording a .250 batting average in 147 games. Considering he's not known for his defensive abilities, his woes at the plate bogged down a Phillies team hoping to compete for the World Series.
On Feb. 12, the Phillies announced that they were releasing Castellanos with one year and $20 million left on his contract. Before his release, Castellanos was told not to report to spring training because a "resolution" to his situation was likely coming soon, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic.
Philadelphia reportedly had been desperate to find a trade for Castellanos before his release, but was unable to do so.
When the Phillies signed Castellanos in 2022, he was coming off the best season of his career with the Cincinnati Reds. He was solid for Philadelphia in his first three seasons, but his struggles in 2025 weren't enough for the Phillies to look past, and they ultimately decided to part ways with him.
The 33-year-old will now suit up for San Diego, where he could potentially play DH, outfield and first base for the club as it looks to get back to the playoffs for a third consecutive season.
Castellanos is a hard player to platoon with the Padres because all the spots he would fit in they already have a right-handed hitter penciled in as the starter.
There is virtually no risk in this for the Padres since Castellanos will be playing on a minimum deal. He doesn't have to be great to be a net positive to their lineup as they chase the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.
