The Philadelphia Phillies will be buyers at the deadline as they look to upgrade their beleaguered bullpen and try to find a right-handed outfield bat to solidify their lineup. But will they subtract a two-time All-Star from their roster?
MLB executives surveyed by The Athletic's Jim Bowden , former general manager of the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals , wouldn't be surprised if the Phillies try to move right fielder Nick Castellanos , who has been part of numerous trade rumors during his time in Philadelphia.
"The Castellanos rumors just never go away, and for that reason alone, multiple GMs think there's a chance he could get moved if Philadelphia can find a better right-field option," reports Bowden. "Castellanos, 33, is hitting .282 with 10 home runs and a 111 OPS+. He's a well-below-average outfielder and is signed through 2026 at $20 million per year, so Philadelphia would have to pay down his contract to move him."
Castellanos had a confrontation with manager Rob Thomson last month after getting taken out of a game for defensive purposes. He was benched for a game but the two have moved on.
Castellanos hasn't lived up to expectations after signing a five-year, $100 million contract with the Phillies ahead of the 2022 season. In four seasons, he has 75 home runs, a .748 OPS and 105 OPS+, while playing mediocre defense.
Despite his underperformance and defensive limitations, it would be a surprise if the Phillies moved Castellanos with the lack of hitters at the deadline. He is their best-hitting outfielder and one of their only power right-handed bats in the lineup. Philadelphia would have to find a major upgrade if they were to do so.
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