Phillies release Nick Castellanos despite $20 million owed amid reported camp absence controversy

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A Philadelphia Phillies fan favorite has been released before spring training gets underway. 

Veteran MLB outfielder Nick Castellano will have to find a new home before the start of the 2026 season after the team announced his release on Thursday.

The news comes after a report from The Athletic revealed "there is no locker in the clubhouse" for Castellanos, adding he has been told "not to report to the team’s complex this week."

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Philadelphia Phillies' Nick Castellanos hits an RBI single in the third inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Philadelphia.  (AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson)

The reason? The Phillies are looking to get out of Castellanos’ $20 million contract, and he was expected to either be traded or released soon.

The writing has been on the wall regarding this relationship between Castellanos and the Phillies, as he was reportedly going to be on a new team come the start of the 2026 season back in October when they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.

Then, that report became more concrete when the Phillies signed Adolis Garcia after re-signing another fan favorite, Kyle Schwarber, during free agency.

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Castellanos, who turns 34 next month, struggled at the dish last season. He slashed .250/.294/.400 with a .694 OPS in 147 games for Philadelphia last season. He had 17 homers and 72 RBI as well.

Castellanos’ .250 batting average is the lowest full-season mark of his career.

Philade