The Philadelphia Phillies have released veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos, making him a free agent eligible to sign with any team for the league minimum. Castellanos, 34, was in the final year of his five-year, $100 million contract and is still owed $20 million by Philadelphia. The Phillies will cover the full remaining salary minus the prorated league minimum.

Castellanos hit .250 with 17 home runs and 72 RBIs in 147 games last season for the National League East champions. His release comes after a tumultuous end to 2025, when he was benched for making what manager Rob Thomson called "an inappropriate comment" after being pulled for a defensive replacement. Castellanos had previously expressed frustration with communication issues with the coaching staff.

Adolis Garcia is expected to take over in right field after signing a one-year, $10 million contract with Philadelphia in December. The move creates significant salary cap flexibility for the Phillies while adding a proven offensive weapon to their lineup. Castellanos' release represents one of the offseason's most notable salary dumps, as teams continue to prioritize financial flexibility and roster turnover ahead of the 2026 season.