The Philadelphia Phillies have a Nick Castellanos problem, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to assume that the club will retain him after the 2025 season. Last Friday was another example of the awkward interactions with the team, manager Rob Thomson and especially the media after the games.

Castellanos was pulled for Harrison Bader as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning of a one-run game against the Atlanta Braves. It was the first time Castellanos had been pulled since his benching in Miami, which meant questions were sure to follow. Unfortunately, the awkward expectation delivered with Castellanos uttering repeated one word answers like “yes” after being asked if it was frustrating to be benched, per Sean Kane of NBC Sports Philadelphia. Perhaps these are just continued signs for the Phillies to seek alternate options this winter.

Could the most recent example of Nick Castellanos’ antics be the last straw for the Phillies?

Castellanos has been anything but typical with how he carries himself as a ballplayer. His answers in regard to his benching weren’t condemning, but there are other reasons his overall value to the Phillies could be put in question. For example, per MLB.com’s Paul Casella, Castellanos has been one of the worst defensive outfielders in MLB even before his signed with Philadelphia, based on outs above average. Ironically enough, the newest Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader (+75 OAA) is atop the list, while Castellanos (-74) sits at the very bottom, below Kyle Schwarber (-57).

The questions don’t just stop at the defense, either. Castellanos was supposed to be an offensive powerhouse when he signed with the Phillies in free agency. With the Cincinnati Reds in 2021 he batted .309 with a .939 OPS and 34 home runs and 100 RBIs.

As a Phillie, Castellanos has failed to repeat that same success, as he’s averaged a .260 batting average, .734 OPS and has only hit 20 or more home runs twice in four seasons (2023-24). 2025 has been the biggest disappointment, with him hitting 16 home runs, 61 RBIs with a slash line of .251/.295/.402 and a .697 OPS. His -1.0 bWAR this season would be the worst of his career if it maintains. Also, among 25 qualified NL outfielders, Castellanos’ .697 OPS currently ranks 23rd among that group.

It wouldn’t be as much of a problem for the Phillies if it weren’t for the money being contributed. The Phillies signed Castellanos to a five-year, $100 million deal. Schwarber was signed the same offseason to four years and $79 million and is looking to finish at least second in this year’s NL MVP race (subscription required), per Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Castellanos is owed his last $20 million from the Phillies in 2026 so it could be a great time to get off that money and shake up an outfield that has felt stuck for the last few seasons.

Castellanos is a fun hitter to watch when he’s on, with his immeasurable confidence, postseason heroics and great one-liners. He had the games played streak, which has been invaluable for the Phillies at times, but those things don’t outweigh the diminishing play anymore. Those moments have been fun, but they’re becoming fewer and farther between. The Phillies have felt stuck with Castellanos as an immovable object in the outfield, but it’s time to move on and try something else that may be more of a sure thing or at least a cheaper solution.