Nick Castellanos Signs One-Year Deal with Padres

Veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos has signed a one-year major league contract with the San Diego Padres for the 2026 season, just days after the Philadelphia Phillies released him despite owing him $20 million on the final year of his five-year, $100 million deal. The 33-year-old, who turns 34 next month, will earn the major league minimum salary of $780,000 from the Padres, with Philadelphia covering the remainder after his release on Thursday.

The move provides Castellanos with a fresh start on the West Coast, where the Padres envision him rotating between designated hitter, first base and outfield duties. San Diego, which won 90 games last season and remains a contender in the National League West, views the low-cost addition as a low-risk opportunity to harness Castellanos's power potential. If he rebounds, the veteran could serve as a serviceable middle-of-the-order bat; if not, the team can part ways without significant financial commitment.

Castellanos's departure from Philadelphia stemmed from a combination of declining performance and ongoing clubhouse tensions during the 2025 season. He hit .250 with a .294 on-base percentage, 17 home runs and 72 RBIs in 147 games,...