PEORIA, Arizona. – After being recently released, outfielder Nick Castellanos has reached an agreement with the San Diego Padres, according to sources close to the negotiation.
The Philadelphia Phillies will assume most of the remaining $20 million of Castellanos’ contract, 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 officially confirmed by the team.
How does Castellanos fit with the Padres?
The Padres’ general manager, A.J. Preller, had expressed his desire to reinforce the offense with a quality hitter. 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 playing time with Miguel Andújar.
Castellanos comes from a season in Philadelphia where 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, as they ranked 28th in home runs last season.
A bittersweet ending in Philadelphia
The Phillies decided to release the veteran after a winter in which they sought to trade him without success. The relationship was affected by several internal incidents, including an episode in 2025 where the player showed his frustration after being defensively substituted.
Despite this, Castellanos had standout moments 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 the Major Leagues, he has 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 most of his career, where he surpassed 550 plate appearances in 10 seasons. However, the Padres are confident that his experience and offensive power will add depth to a team with postseason aspirations.
