It’s been well documented that the Philadelphia Phillies are actively exploring ways to move on from malcontent outfielder Nick Castellanos. The club shopped him during the GM Meetings, but found no takers—largely because of the final $20 million owed to him in 2026, the last year of his five-year deal.
But as the offseason evolves, and as teams reassess short-term financial flexibility, Castellanos’ market may be thawing. His streaky power and durability still hold value in the right environment—especially if the Phillies are willing to retain a portion of his salary. With that in mind, here are three potential landing spots that make sense as trade conversations continue.
Miami Marlins
A deal with Miami has always made sense beyond baseball. Castellanos is a South Florida native, and a move to the Marlins would allow him to be near his son full-time—something known to be significant to him.
From a roster standpoint, Miami has one of the thinnest lineups in the NL and could use an established veteran to anchor the middle of the order. According to The Athletic, the Marlins are expected to open the checkbook more aggressively beginning in 2026, which could make them more willing to absorb a meaningful portion of Castellanos’ final year. If the Phillies include cash or a mid-tier prospect, this becomes one of the cleanest fits.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates are quietly becoming one of the more unpredictable teams this winter. Pittsburgh has already been linked to Kyle Schwarber, signaling a willingness to modestly raise payroll in an effort to surround their young core with real bats.
That’s where Castellanos enters the conversation. While inconsistent, he brings pop that could play particularly well at PNC Park, where the short porches reward line-drive power. His postseason experience would add veteran stability to a largely inexperienced lineup. If the Phillies cover a sizable portion of the $20 million, the Pirates may see this as a rare opportunity to acquire middle-order power without a long-term commitment.
Chicago White Sox
If there’s a club historically comfortable betting on distressed-value veterans, it’s the White Sox. They remain early in a rebuild, but the front office has been clear: they want functional MLB players to avoid another 100-loss season.
Castellanos fits their profile almost perfectly—short-term money, bounce-back upside, and the potential to benefit from a hitter-friendly park. Guaranteed Rate Field is one of the best stadiums in baseball for right-handed power hitters, which could make Chicago a place where Castellanos legitimately rebounds. From Philadelphia’s perspective, this could be the most straightforward salary-relief trade of the three.
Final Thoughts
The Phillies have been patient, but the sense around the league is that they will find a trade partner if they show flexibility on the financials. Castellanos still has a market—just not at full price. Miami, Pittsburgh, and Chicago each offer distinct paths for Philadelphia to reshape its outfield and open up payroll for other needs.