The Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly spent the entire offseason exploring trade options for All-Star outfielder Nick Castellanos, but have yet to finalize a deal.
Even so, the team may continue to pursue a trade in hopes of moving Castellanos and shedding his remaining salary.
Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly has reveal that the Phillies could deal the All-Star outfielder to the Colorado Rockies before Opening Day.
“Castellanos signaled a willingness earlier this offseason to play first base if that’s what a team wanted from him,” Kelly wrote. “The Rockies currently have left-handed hitters penciled in at DH (Mickey Moniak), first base (Troy Johnston) and right field (Jake McCarthy).
“Castellanos could get relatively consistent at-bats in a very hitter-friendly environment if he was willing to move around a bit defensively. And the Rockies would be taking a chance that Castellanos — who posted an .839 OPS as recently as the second half of the 2024 season — bounces back and becomes a July trade candidate.”
The Rockies have been closely linked to Castellanos for a few months because of their assumed willingness to take on his money if they land a prospect in the deal, too.
The Phillies would likely be willing to include a prospect in the deal if it gets Castellanos off their roster. Philadelphia has plenty of outfield depth at this point, so holding onto Castellanos would give them a very expensive platoon bat. There are better things they could do with his money.
