The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to improve their offense, and they might have a candidate in Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos.
The Athletic insider Matt Gelb is reporting that Castellanos will either be traded or released by the Phillies during Spring Training.
“Photos line the hallway that leads from the lobby to the Phillies’ clubhouse at BayCare Ballpark and, on Wednesday, there was a gap between the photos of Trea Turner and Alec Bohm. There used to be one of Nick Castellanos there. He is still on the Phillies’ roster, but there is no locker in the clubhouse for him. As the Phillies continue their quest to save a few million dollars, they have told Castellanos not to report to the team’s complex this week, league sources said,” Gelb wrote.
“A Castellanos resolution — either through a trade or release — is expected in the next two days.”
Castellanos, who turns 34 next month, it’s set to make $20 million on the final year of his deal. He had a .250 batting average in 2025 with 17 home runs and 72 runs batted in, but those numbers won’t cut it with his price tag.
If the Phillies were willing to pay the Pirates a good chunk of his 2026 salary, would Pittsburgh be willing to throw in a prospect in a trade? The Pirates have been looking to get some juice for the offense this offseason and Castellanos could provide that for the team.
The Pirates have gone out of their way to add Ryan O’Hearn, Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum and Marcell Ozuna, giving them more options to work with. In addition to Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds, the Pirates should have a strong outfield this season.
The reason against a Castellanos trade would be how crowded the team is with all of the new additions. Cruz is set to play center field, while Reynolds likely ends up in right. Ozuna can fill in at left field and O’Hearn could be the designated hitter.
If the Pirates wanted to move O’Hearn to first base, Castellanos could add to the team as a possible designated hitter, but it isn’t a need at this point in time. There’s a better chance other teams would pay more for Castellanos given the need.
What do you think BD community? Should the Pirates trade for Castellanos? Chime off in the comments section below.