Phillies could cut ties with $100 million All-Star in favor of major addition

After a strong regular season, the Philadelphia Phillies were eliminated by the New York Mets in the National League Division Series. They could look to make a major move in order to make a deeper run in 2025. While outlining teams to watch in free agency, USA Today's Bob Nightengale noted that the Phillies are open to trading Nick Castellanos if it means making a major acquisition.

"The Phillies can’t believe they don’t have a ring in the Bryce Harper era, and after knocking on the door the past few years, they are willing to make a huge move to change their fate. Dave Dombrowski, president of baseball operations, has not internally discussed pursuing Soto with his staff but is painfully aware they need to shake up their lineup," wrote Nightengale. "Simply, scouts say, they’re just too easy to pitch to come crunchtime with their big swingers and contact-challenged hi t ters.

If someone needs a slugger like Nick Castellanos, or outfield help in Brandon Marsh, or third baseman Alec Bohm, the Phillies are listening." Castellanos signed a five-year, $100 million deal with the Phillies before the 2022 season. He is a two-time All-Star with his last selection coming in 2023.

He played in all 162 games last regular season, but he regressed slightly. In 2024 compared to 2023 his batting average was down and he hit fewer home runs. The only bright side was he struck out less.

The Phillies may look to make a trade for someone who can get on base more consistently and does not rely as much on the long ball, regardless of price. "For the right player,” Phillies owner John Middleton told reporters, according to Nightengale. “I have a high degree of confidence that Dave and I would go over the third limit.

” More MLB: Phillies blockbuster trade proposal lands All-Star ace in 4-player deal.