Bryce Harper (Image Via Getty) As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the Pittsburgh Pirates have been linked to a potential trade for Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos. The deal has not progressed beyond the discussion stage, but it reflects the direction both teams appear to be considering.Pittsburgh has built a young roster but still lacks a dependable power hitter in the middle of the lineup. Castellanos could address that need on a short-term basis. For Philadelphia, the move would help reorganize the outfield while easing payroll pressure tied to an expensive veteran contract.
Trade framework centers on contract relief
Most projections describe the deal as a salary-focused move rather than a large prospect exchange.
Philadelphia Phillies receive:
• Nothing, or one low-level prospect such as a catcher or mid-tier pitcher.
Pittsburgh Pirates receive:
• Nick Castellanos (OF, age 34). • Possibly a minor depth piece.Castellanos is owed $20 million in 2026, the final guaranteed season of his five-year, $100 million deal. Philadelphia would likely need to cover $10-15 million to complete the trade. The primary goal would be financial flexibility and roster space as the team shifts toward younger outfielders.
Why the Pittsburgh Pirates could pursue the move
Philadelphia Phillies Nick Castellanos (Image via Getty)
Pittsburgh Prates’ core includes Oneil Cruz, Paul Skenes, Bryan Reynolds, and Nick Gonzales, but the offense still lacks consistent right-handed power. The current outfield group, Reynolds, Henry Davis, Jhostynxon Garcia, Jack Suwinski, and Jake Mangum, offers range and athleticism but limited middle-order production.Castellanos could slot into left field or designated hitter and provide lineup protection for Reynolds. The move would also signal a gradual rise in payroll, with the Pirates trending toward the $100 million mark. Given that many of their position players are in their mid-20s, adding an experienced hitter would create some balance.
Phillies focused on defensive range and roster flexibility
Nick Castellanos’ role has narrowed as Philadelphia reshapes its roster. Kyle Schwarber was re-signed to a five-year, $150 million contract and is expected to remain at DH. Adolis GarcÃa was added on a one-year deal to handle right field, while Justin Crawford, Brandon Marsh, and Johan Rojas are competing for regular playing time.Trading Castellanos would open a roster spot, reduce financial strain, and support a shift toward quicker, more defensively reliable outfielders under manager Rob Thompson.
Potential benefits and risks
Pittsburgh Pirates
Pros • Adds a hitter capable of roughly 20-25 home runs and 70-80 RBIs. • Veteran presence with All-Star and Silver Slugger credentials. • Lower risk if Philadelphia absorbs most of the salary, making it a one-year commitment.Cons • Below-average defense that may require a position change. • Age-related decline and prior knee concerns. • Limits spending on younger or longer-term options.
Philadelphia Phillies
Pros • Partial relief from a $20 million obligation. • More playing time for GarcÃa, Crawford, Marsh, and Rojas. • Cleaner roster structure.Cons • Paying part of the contract to facilitate a trade. • Less right-handed depth if injuries occur. • Possible criticism tied to the original signing.
Nick Castellanos recent performance (2024-2025)
SeasonGAVGOBPSLGOPSHRRBIwRC+bWAR 2024 147 .252 .303 .416 .719 17 72 92 0.9 2025 147 .250 .294 .400 .694 17 72 90 -0.3The numbers point to league-average production with steady power, though defense and age affect overall value.
Team demographics entering 2026
TeamAvg age (position players)Key outfielders (2026)Notes Pirates ~26-27 Reynolds, Davis, Garcia, Suwinski, Mangum Young roster with limited proven power Phillies ~27-28 Schwarber (DH), GarcÃa, Marsh, Crawford, Rojas Moving toward athletic, defense-first players
Which team benefits more?
Philadelphia Phillies gain the clearer financial advantage if most of the contract is moved while creating space for younger players. The trade would address defensive concerns and improve payroll flexibility without significantly altering the team’s competitive outlook.For Pittsburgh Pirates, the result depends on performance. If Castellanos produces closer to his earlier seasons and the Pirates take on only $5-10 million, the deal becomes a low-cost offensive upgrade. Continued decline would leave the club carrying an expensive bat with limited versatility.Also read: MLB Trade Rumors: Baltimore Orioles connected to $75 million former Cy Young Candidate to bolster 2026 rotationThe trade remains a projection as of February 2026, but it aligns with each team’s roster strategy. Pittsburgh would add an established hitter without a long-term commitment, while Philadelphia would move on from a costly contract and continue restructuring its outfield. On paper, the financial benefit leans toward the Phillies, while the Pirates’ return would depend on Castellanos’ production in the final year of his deal.