Castellanos to the Phillies (sources)
MLB.com is keeping track of all the latest news and rumors surrounding right fielder Nick Castellanos, who is a free agent after opting out of his contract with the Reds.
Read all about Castellanos?here.
March 18: Phillies and Castellanos agree on a five-year deal (sources)
One day after the Phillies signed Kyle Schwarber (per sources), sources told MLB.com's Todd Zolecki that Philadelphia is in agreement on a five-year, $100 million deal with Castellanos. More >
March 17: Phillies, Marlins in on Castellanos (report)
Even after reaching a four-year deal with Kyle Schwarber, the Phillies are continuing to show interest in Castellanos, reports MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi, who notes that the slugger's hometown Marlins are still interested as well.
The addition of the designated-hitter spot in the NL gives the Phillies another lineup spot to fill. If they sign Castellanos, they could rotate him and Schwarber between left field and DH.
The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson reported earlier this week that the Marlins were not "aggressively pursuing" Castellanos, but it appears the team hasn't ruled out signing the South Florida native, who is said to have great interest in playing for Miami.
The Marlins have been casting a wide net in their search for outfielders, but their options are dwindling. The club considered Eddie Rosario and Joc Pederson before they signed with the Braves and Giants, respectively. Free agent Jorge Soler and A's center fielder Ram¨®n Laureano are also on their list of potential targets, per MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.
March 15: Marlins 'not aggressively pursuing' Castellanos
Castellanos, a Miami native, was very interested in playing for the Marlins this season. That's what a source close to the free-agent outfielder told the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson. However, make note of the past tense in that sentence as that ship seems to have sailed out of Biscayne Bay. Despite Castellanos' desire, the Marlins are not "aggressively pursuing" him at this point, per Jackson. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman adds that while the Marlins plan to spend money this month, those dollars won't be going to Castellanos, apparently.
Miami has been a long-rumored landing spot for the 2021 All-Star, but if Castellanos won't be signed by his hometown team, which franchises are the best fits for him? The possibilities should be vast with the National League implementing the DH this season. Although Castellanos has played most of the past three seasons for NL clubs -- the Cubs and Reds -- he has been a below-average defensive player anywhere he has played in the field since 2016, according to the Outs Above Average metric.
The Giants and Phillies reportedly checked in on Castellanos prior to the lockout; both teams appear to still have a need at designated hitter. The Dodgers and Rockies have been tied to other DH-type players, such as Jorge Soler and Kyle Schwarber. It appears a return to Cincinnati can be ruled out.
Castellanos' asking price is not known, but MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported in November that the 30-year-old is seeking a seven- or eight-year deal. Maybe that's too rich for some clubs. Regardless, Castellanos will bring an impact bat to any lineup. He had a career year in 2021, registering 34 home runs and a .939 OPS. His 140 wRC+ tied for 12th-best among all qualified hitters.
March 12: Could Phils have the inside track for Castellanos?
Back when Castellanos was drafted 44th overall by the Tigers in 2010, Detroit's general manager was current Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski. As noted by MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi, that's not an insignificant detail when it comes to Philadelphia's interest in the 30-year-old slugger.