SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres have finalized a Major League contract with veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos, providing a high-profile landing spot for the slugger just days after his abrupt and storied exit from the Philadelphia Phillies.
As first reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the deal is for the league-minimum salary of $780,000. Because Castellanos was released by the Phillies with significant time and money remaining on his previous five-year, $100 million contract, Philadelphia remains responsible for the remainder of his salary, allowing San Diego to acquire a former All-Star at essentially no financial risk to their luxury tax threshold.
The signing comes at a pivotal moment for the Padres, who are looking to solidify their outfield depth as Spring Training begins in Peoria, Arizona.
A Bargain for San Diego’s Bench
For Padres General Manager A.J. Preller, the acquisition of Castellanos represents a classic "buy-low" opportunity. Despite a decline in defensive metrics and a volatile 2025 season at the plate, Castellanos remains one of the more feared power hitters in the league when he is in rhythm.
In San Diego, he is expected to rotate through the corner outfield spots and serve as a primary option at Designated Hitter. The move adds a veteran presence to a clubhouse already anchored by superstars Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr.
"Adding a bat of Nick’s caliber at this stage of the offseason is rare," a team official stated on the condition of anonymity. "He has post-season experience and a chip on his shoulder. That is a dangerous combination for our opponents."
The Philadelphia Fallout
The road to San Diego was paved by a "tumultuous" final few months in Philadelphia. While Castellanos was initially a fan favorite during the Phillies' 2022 World Series run, his relationship with the local media and a vocal portion of the fanbase soured following a string of inconsistent performances and a perceived lack of offensive adjustments.
His release earlier this month sent shockwaves through the league, as it is rare for a team to eat tens of millions of dollars simply to remove a player from the roster. However, the Phillies' front office reportedly prioritized a "cultural reset" in the clubhouse, leading to the veteran's departure.
Comparison: Castellanos 2025 Performance vs. Career Averages
| Statistic | 2025 Season | Career Average |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .242 | .273 |
| Home Runs | 19 | 24 |
| OPS | .712 | .795 |
| Strikeout Rate | 27.4% | 23.1% |
Strategic Fit in the NL West
The Padres’ move is strategically calculated. By signing Castellanos to a minimum deal, they maintain their flexibility to pursue additional pitching depth or mid-season trades. San Diego is currently locked in what experts predict will be a three-way race for the NL West title alongside the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks.
While Petco Park is traditionally known as a pitcher’s haven, recent dimensions and environmental changes have made it more hospitable to right-handed power hitters. Castellanos, known for his ability to drive the ball into the gaps, could see a resurgence in a lineup that provides him with significant protection.
Looking Ahead to Spring Training
Castellanos is expected to report to the Padres' Spring Training facility in Peoria by Tuesday. The primary question for Manager Mike Shildt will be how to balance playing time between Castellanos and the younger prospects pushing for a roster spot.
"Nick is a professional hitter," Shildt told reporters during a brief press conference. "We know what he’s capable of. Our job is to put him in a position where he can clear his head and just play ball."
For Castellanos, the move to Southern California represents more than just a new contract; it is a chance to rewrite the narrative of his career after a difficult exit from the East Coast. If he can return to his 2023 form, the Padres may have secured the most cost-effective acquisition of the 2026 offseason.
