Phillies willing to absorb $20 million annual salary loss? They have informed outfielder Castellanos not to attend spring training.

With MLB spring training about to begin, the Phillies have told outfielder Nick Castellanos that he does not need to show up. The Athletic reports that the Phillies might either trade him or outright release him soon.

Approaching 34 years old, Castellanos signed a five-year deal with the Phillies on March 23, 2022, with an average annual salary of $20 million. In the 2025 season, he played 147 games, posting a .250 batting average, 17 home runs, and 72 RBIs—each statistic marking his lowest in three years.

According to Yahoo Sports, the Phillies did not even assign a locker to Castellanos at their spring training facility in Florida, indicating the organization’s clear intention to part ways with the outfielder. Over his 13-year MLB career, Castellanos has appeared in 1,688 games, amassed 1,742 hits including 250 home runs, and driven in 920 runs. He was selected to the All-Star Game twice, in 2021 with the Reds and in 2023 with the Phillies.

During the offseason, the Phillies signed former Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia to a one-year contract, signaling that Castellanos’ time in Philadelphia is likely over. Garcia will man right field in 2026, Brandon Marsh will cover left field, and rookie Justin Crawford is expected to take center field duties.