Nick Castellanos already has a new home.
Castellanos agreed to a deal with the Padres for the veteran’s minimum, pending a physical, The Post’s Jon Heyman confirmed Saturday morning.
The Phillies, who were his home for four seasons, released Castellanos on Thursday with one year and $20 million remaining on his contract, which was initially for five years and $100 million.
Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos (8) hits an RBI single driving home Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) gives the Phillies the lead in the 10th inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
The Yankees inquired about a potential trade prior to Castellanos’ release but receivd mixed reviews, according to Heyman.
His exit didn’t come without some fire.
The 33-year-old wasn’t shy about expressing his “disdain” for Phillies manager Rob Thomson and hitting coach Kevin Long
Additionally, he told his former teammates that he did not trust both of them since they never played in the majors — and it was not the first time he has aired that grievance.
In September, Castellanos explained he only wants to hear from those who have professional experience.
Nick Castellanos of the Phillies hits a two-RBI double against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 06, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Getty Images
“The only opinions that I honestly care about are (from) the ones that have carried the stick,” Castellanos said during “On Base with Mookie Betts.”
“The ones that have put on the gloves and put on the cleats.”
The strain between the two parties is one of the biggest reasons Castellanos’ time ended early in Philadelphia.
Castellanos and Thomson often bumped heads, including when Castellanos brought a beer into the dugout after being removed for a defensive replacement and reportedly yelled at his manager in front of coaches and teammates.
Last season, Castellanos had a down year, hitting .250 with a .694 OPS — a significant dip from his last All-Star season in 2023 when he hit .272 with a .788 OPS.
He joins a Padres team that lost to the Cubs in the wild-card round.
While he played right field with the Phillies, the plan with the Padres is to rotate among the outfield, first base and designated hitter, according to Heyman.
The Padres already have an everyday right fielder in Fernando Tatis Jr.