The Philadelphia Phillies’ potential trade return for Nick Castellanos will likely be minimal. That is, if a deal is made. Castellanos is expected to be traded or released this offseason. His $20 million salary for the 2026 season, the last year of his contract, is a barrier to a potential trade. Teams like the Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, or Kansas City Royals would make sense as a trade destination for Castellanos. Furthermore, the Marlins and Pirates are expected to spend this offseason. The Phillies would almost certainly send cash or a prospect as part of any trade. Even with that possibility, Castellanos being released is most likely how the two sides will end up parting ways.
Castellanos had a .250/.294/.400 line with 17 home runs and 72 RBI in 147 games this season. He also recorded a 90 wRC+ with a .298 BABIP and a 0.24 BB/K rate this year. Castellanos was benched during the season after a confrontation with manager Rob Thomson. He eventually became a platoon outfielder after Harrison Bader was acquired at the trade deadline. Bader became the Phillies’ starting center fielder, with Castellanos platooning with Max Kepler in right field for the rest of the season. Castellanos is entering his age-34 season in 2026. Let’s take a look at players who could head back to Philly if Castellanos is dealt to one of the aforementioned teams.
The Phillies’ Potential Trade Return For Nick Castellanos
Anthony Bender (Marlins)
The Marlins are a logical trade destination for Castellanos, given that he was born in Hialeah, which is not far from Miami. Moreover, the Marlins also need to add to their payroll. Anthony Bender is someone the Marlins might be willing to part with in a trade for Castellanos. This season, Bender had a 3-5 record with a 2.16 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP as well as four saves in 51 outings. He recorded a 3.62 FIP and a 2.00 K/BB rate. While Bender is heading into his age-31 season, he still has three minor league options available and is under team control through the 2027 season.
Dennis Santana (Pirates)
Dennis Santana was a rumored trade candidate for the Phillies at the deadline. The Phillies could use some relief pitching help, and the Pirates have reasons to move Santana. While they held onto Santana at the deadline, the Pirates did trade David Bednar. Both Santana and Bednar are under team control through the 2026 season. Santana had a 4-5 record with a 2.18 ERA, along with a 0.867 WHIP, as well as 16 saves in 70 outings this season. Additionally, he recorded a 3.21 FIP and a 3.53 K/BB rate. Santana is entering his age-30 season. The Pirates also could use outfield help and seem willing to spend.
Stephen Kolek (Royals)
According to a report from Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, the Royals are willing to trade a starting pitcher for an outfielder. At the trade deadline, the Royals were mentioned as a possible suitor for Castellanos. Of the starting pitchers the Royals have, trading Stephen Kolek in a Castellanos deal would make the most sense. It is also possible here that the Phillies package Alec Bohm with Castellanos. Kolek had a 5-7 record with a 3.51 ERA and a 1.145 WHIP in 19 major league starts this season. He also recorded a 3.82 FIP and a 2.48 K/BB rate.
Main Photo Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
The post The Phillies’ Potential Trade Return for Veteran Outfielder appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.