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Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos is seemingly not a happy camper these days.
In light of his struggles on both offense and defense, Castellanos has seen less playing time since the trade deadline, including fewer starts against right-handed pitching and being replaced in right field late in close games.
At the end of August, Castellanos had some particularly icy responses to questions about his adjustment to a smaller role. Heading into the final season of a five-year, $100 million deal, there could be mutual interest in a clean break.
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On Sunday, an insider added legitimacy to the notion that Castellanos’ time in Philadelphia could be coming to an end.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Phillies would be “aggressive” trying to find a trade partner to take on Castellanos this coming winter.
“The Phillies, who shopped outfielder Nick Castellanos last winter, will be much more aggressive trying to move him this winter, even eating a significant portion of his remaining $20 million salary,” wrote Nightengale.
Though Castellanos is only 33, his 89 OPS+ and minus-12 outs above average in right field (worst at the position) signal that he’s in need of a change of scenery at a minimum, and may just be starting to decline.
There have been some big playoff moments for Castellanos in Philadelphia, and he’d likely be remembered fondly by at least a decent portion of the fan base. But there’s still at least another month left in the Phillies’ season, so the jury is still out.
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