Ex-Cubs fan favorite's drama with Phillies takes ugly turn as spring training starts

The Philadelphia Phillies entered the offseason with the expectation that they would trade outfielder Nick Castellanos. The problem with all but announcing their intent with the former Chicago Cubs fan favorite is that the team will call their bluff. Spring training has started for the Phillies, and Castellanos is still, technically, on the roster. Though his future almost certainly won't be in Philadelphia.

The Athletic's (subscription required) Matt Gelb reports that the Phillies told the 33-year-old outfielders not to report to spring training. If the Phillies are unable to find a trade partner for Castellanos, they are expected to release him.

Editor's Note: As expected, the Phillies have released Castellanos.

Castellanos' relationship with the Phillies took a turn last season in the midst of his offensive struggles. Castellanos took issue with being resigned to a platoon role, and most of his anger was with Phillies manager Rob Thomson.

The version of Castellanos last season with the Phillies wasn't the same one that posted a 152 wRC+ with the Chicago Cubs in 51 games during the 2019 season. In 589 plate appearances last season, Castellanos slashed .250/.294/.400 with a wRC+ of 90 and 17 home runs.

Assuming the relationship between Thomson and Castellanos didn't take a turn, there likely would have been a path for the two sides being able to mend the fence. Instead, Castellanos' time with the Phillies is essentially over.

Cubs fans aren't paying attention to Nick Castellanos' situation while championing for a reunion.

Naturally, as the Cubs have left the door open to adding another outfielder to their major league roster, fans are dreaming about a potential reunion with Castellanos.

On the financial side of things, if the Phillies release Castellanos, the Cubs would only need to pay him the league minimum while Philadelphia would be on the hook for the $20 million owed to him in 2026.

Money isn't the problem. The problem is that the Cubs fans clamoring for a reunion with Castellanos haven't been paying attention to his downfall with the Phillies. Lack of playing time is at the center of his frustrations.

As things currently stand, the Cubs don't have much playing time to offer Castellanos. Seiya Suzuki is going to get the bulk of the starts in right field, and Castellanos doesn't quite compare to him offensively to force Craig Counsell to reconsider that plan. Not to mention, if the Cubs do add a fourth outfielder before Opening Day, they are likely looking for one who hits from the left side of the plate.

Castellanos' time with the Cubs in 2019 will always be memorable, but in 2026, he's not a fit in Chicago.