Nick Castellanos Says Emotional Farewell to Philadelphia Phillies After Release
The Philadelphia Phillies have officially released outfielder Nick Castellanos, ending a tumultuous chapter in the team's recent history. The 33-year-old slugger, who signed a five-year, $100 million contract with the Phillies back in 2022, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt handwritten note bidding farewell to the city, his teammates, and the passionate Philly fanbase. While the release frees Castellanos to sign with any team for the league minimum, the Phillies are still on the hook for the remaining $20 million of his deal for the 2026 season.
Castellanos' time in Philadelphia was a rollercoaster to say the least. He arrived with high expectations after a strong stint with the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, bringing his powerful bat and veteran presence to a Phillies squad hungry for postseason success. Over his four seasons with the team, he delivered some memorable moments, including clutch home runs during the 2022 World Series run and earning an All-Star nod. But 2025 proved to be a rough year for the right fielder. Batting just .250 with 17 homers and 72 RBIs in 147 games, Castellanos struggled at the plate and found himself in a platoon role by season's end. His OPS dipped to .694, ranking near the bottom among qualified hitters, and defensive issues only compounded the problems.
The breaking point came during what Castellanos himself dubbed "The Miami Incident" in June 2025. In his Instagram post, he opened up about a frustrating night against the Miami Marlins where manager Rob Thomson pulled him from a close game in front of friends and family. Out of anger, Castellanos admitted to grabbing a Presidente beer and bringing it into the dugout, a clear violation of league rules that led to a benching and simmering tensions in the clubhouse. "After being taken out of a close ball game... I brought a Presidente into the dugout," he wrote, acknowledging the mistake while expressing regret over how things escalated.
For Castellanos, this could be a fresh start. At 34 come Opening Day, he's still got pop in his bat and could appeal to contending teams looking for a low-risk, high-reward addition. Rumors are already swirling about potential landing spots, maybe a return to the Reds or a shot with a West Coast club. Wherever he ends up, Philly fans will remember the highs: those epic postseason blasts and the unfiltered personality that made him a polarizing yet beloved figure.
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