After a protracted saga that began in June 2025, the Phillies finally released former Tigers outfielder Nick Castellanos on Thursday. What started with Castellanos bringing a beer into the dugout (but not drinking it, he was sure to make clear) after being removed from a game in the eighth inning spiraled into a verbal altercation with his manager and coaches, turned into a distinct sense that the two would part ways in the offseason.
President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski was startlingly candid about the Phillies’ plans for Castellanos in the offseason, reiterating multiple times that they intended to try to find a trade suitor for him. Castellanos was told not to report to spring training while the front office tried to find him a new home.
Apparently, there were no takers on what was left of his five-year, $100 million deal, and the Phillies let him go outright on Thursday.
Phillies’ Nick Castellanos release could give the Tigers a chance at another reunion
Despite the clubhouse drama, there should be takers for Castellanos now that it’s the Phillies on the hook for the $20 million he’s owed this year.
The Tigers didn’t make a single new addition to their offense during the offseason despite fans’ calls for one. They just re-signed Justin Verlander, who shared a Tigers team with Castellanos for four and a half seasons. Might they consider re-signing him?
Admittedly, the answer is probably “no.” The Tigers don’t like a diva (even if they just signed Framber Valdez, who was responsible for that viral, maybe intentional cross-up moment last year that almost certainly hurt his free agency). And sure, Castellanos shared his side of the story, but the front office and AJ Hinch have always been focused on club chemistry, which involves a lack of ego.
But on paper, a reunion sort of makes sense. Castellanos’ defense has never been stellar, but can play both right field and third base, positions that the Tigers don’t have immovable players at yet. He could platoon with Kerry Carpenter in right, or get in on the third base carousel with Zach McKinstry and Matt Vierling. A guy who was just released in disgrace doesn’t have a ton of room to demand anything from his new squad. And he’s still a reliable 20(ish) home run hitter and has tons of postseason experience.
But again, the Tigers probably wouldn’t make this move. They’ve been stubborn about their young hitters and their abilities to keep improving. But we’ve all been feeling a little nostalgic since Verlander returned, and it never hurts to speculate.