The Toronto Blue Jays have improved in a lot of areas this offseason, but they’ve yet to add the big bat they were hoping for.

The original plan was to sign Kyle Tucker, who had been linked to the Jays for months. That didn’t go as expected, however, as the 29-year-old instead inked a four-year deal with the LA Dodgers.

After losing out on Tucker, the Blue Jays attempted to bring back shortstop Bo Bichette, only to see him sign with the New York Mets the following day. It appeared that they were going to need an internal solution, though that plan has also taken a hit.

Anthony Santander, who was limited to just 54 games with the Jays in 2025, recently underwent shoulder surgery and is expected to miss the vast majority of the 2026 season. There goes that potential and much-needed bounce-back.

Just when there appeared to be little hope, however, the Blue Jays may now have been presented with another potentially promising option.

On Thursday morning, the Philadelphia Phillies announced that they had released outfielder Nick Castellanos. The 33-year-old slugger was set to enter the final year of his five-year, $100 million contract.

Despite a disappointing 2025 season, Castellanos has been a solid hitter throughout his MLB career. The two-time All-Star has hit north of 20 home runs six times in his career, while hitting triple-digit RBIs in three seasons.

Nick Castellanos is being released by Phillies. Potential fits may include Padres, Jays, A’s, Rangers, Reds. Uncertain where interest lies.


— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 12, 2026

 

Not only would Castellanos give the Jays some insurance in the outfield after Santander’s injury, but he would provide them with some offence to help support Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

It may not be the addition Blue Jays fans had expected when the offseason first began, but bringing in Castellanos, who will certainly have a chip on his shoulder, could wind up being a great move for the organization.

Lead photo by

Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images