PEORIA, Arizona. – Outfielder Nick Castellanos has reached an agreement with the San Diego Padres, according to sources close to the negotiation, just two days after being released.
The Philadelphia Phillies will assume a large portion of the remaining $20 million of Castellanos’s final contract year, while San Diego will cover the league minimum salary, approximately $780,000. The deal is subject to a physical examination and has not yet been finalized.
How does Castellanos integrate into San Diego?
The Padres’ general manager, A.J. Preller, had previously expressed his interest in adding a hitter to reinforce the offense. Castellanos could primarily serve as a designated hitter, and could also cover first base.
Fernando Tatis Jr. has the right field secured, while Ramón Laureano is projected to start in left. At first base, Gavin Sheets is the favorite, but Castellanos could have opportunities, especially against left-handed pitchers, sharing turns with Miguel Andújar.
Castellanos is coming off a season in which he batted .250 with an OPS of .694. However, he has averaged 23 home runs in the last three seasons, a power contribution that the Padres need after their performance in home runs last season.
A Change of Scenery for Castellanos
The Phillies decided to release Castellanos after trying to trade him unsuccessfully during the winter. The relationship was affected by several internal incidents, including an episode in 2025.
Despite this, Castellanos left his mark in Philadelphia: he was an All-Star in 2023 and was part of the team that reached the World Series in 2022.
With 13 seasons in Major League Baseball, Castellanos has also played for the Tigers, Cubs, and Reds, accumulating more than 1,700 hits and 250 home runs.
In San Diego, his role will be different from the one he had for much of his career, where he surpassed 550 plate appearances in 10 seasons. The Padres are confident that his experience and power will add depth to the team, which is looking to reach the postseason.
