Nick Castellanos, Padres agree on one-year deal two days after Phillies release veteran outfielder, per report
CBS Sports
by
Dayn Perry
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The San Diego Padres have agreed to sign veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos to a one-year contract for the 2026 season. The deal comes after Castellanos was released by the Philadelphia Phillies, who were unable to trade him during the offseason. Under the terms of his previous five-year, $100 million contract with the Phillies, he is owed $20 million for the upcoming season, with the Phillies covering most of this amount. The Padres will only pay him the MLB minimum salary of $780,000 due to waivers having been cleared by Castellanos.
Castellanos, a two-time All-Star, has seen his offensive production decline in recent years. In 2025, he batted .250/.294/.400 with a below-average OPS+ of 88, down from 112 in 2023 and 104 in 2024. Defensively, he struggles in right field, which has been his primary position for much of his career. The Padres plan to utilize him as a designated hitter (DH) and potentially at first base due to his defensive limitations.
This signing highlights the Padres' strategic approach to cost management while addressing their need for offensive depth. Castellanos, now 34, brings some power but is unlikely to be an everyday player. His declining performance and defensive challenges make him a situational option. The Phillies' financial burden remains significant as they continue to navigate a rebuild, while the Padres add a low-risk, low-cost addition to their lineup.
This move matters because it underscores the evolving dynamics of player contracts and team payroll management in Major League Baseball. It also reflects how teams adapt by acquiring players who can contribute without breaking the bank, even if their best days may be behind them. For fans, this story offers insight into the financial strategies teams
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/14/2026