The Philadelphia Phillies’ outfield trio of Brandon Marsh, Nick Castellanos, and Max Kepler struggled for much of the season, prompting the team to trade for Harrison Bader.
Since Bader’s arrival, the Phillies have rotated their outfield more frequently, even sidelining established players like Nick Castellanos from a regular starting role. Despite being a two-time All-Star and a Silver Slugger winner, Castellanos has delivered only league-average offense since joining the Phillies, posting a 101 OPS+ over more than four seasons.
This year has been particularly underwhelming for him. On Friday night, despite making a highlight-reel catch, he was subbed out late in the game for defensive purposes—a move he’s not accustomed to. Earlier in the season, he was also replaced defensively in a game, which led to a confrontation with manager Rob Thomson.
Harrison Bader is a superior defender compared to Nick Castellanos, and the defensive metrics justify the Phillies’ decision to prioritize Bader in the outfield late in games to field their strongest defensive lineup. However, when Castellanos was asked whether he was frustrated with his reduced role, his response made his feelings quite clear, leaving little doubt about his dissatisfaction.
“Yes,” Castellanos told The Athletic’s Charlotte Varnes.
Castellanos played in every game for the Phillies last season, starting every single one. And 143 of those games were complete games. This season, he has started 124 games, but only 111 have been complete games as an outfielder.
His numbers this season further support Thomson’s decision not to plug him in the lineup every day or pull him from games. His .700 OPS is in danger of falling below or matching the .694 OPS he posted in his first year with Philadelphia in 2022.
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