“Change of scenery” has been the phrase used by Phillies officials when discussing Nick Castellanos this offseason. On Tuesday, Dave Dombrowski reaffirmed that direction, confirming the organization remains committed to moving on from the veteran outfielder before the season begins. “Yes , we do. We still plan on doing that,” Dombrowski said. “And we did designate Weston Wilson for assignment today. But yes, that would be the plan.” Castellanos, 33, is entering the final season of his five-year, $100 million contract and is owed $20 million in 2026. A trade remains the preferred outcome, but the remaining salary complicates the market. If Philadelphia is going to move him in a deal, it would require eating a great majority of what he is owed. Assuming the club is unable to find a trade partner, designating Castellanos for assignment would be the procedural step required to remove him from the 40-man roster and formally move on. Castellanos’ performance dipped again in 2025. He finished the season with a .250/.294/.400 slash line and 17 home runs, producing a -0.6 WAR, one of the lowest marks in the Majors. A DFA would give the Phillies seven days to trade Castellanos or place him on waivers. Given the $20 million remaining on his deal, a waiver claim would be unlikely. If he cleared waivers and was released, Philadelphia would remain responsible for roughly $19.25 million of the contract, while any new club would owe only the prorated league minimum. The roster spot would open, but the salary would remain on the Phillies’ books. Still, it would be surprising if a team that misses out on its preferred outfield or DH options doesn’t at least explore Castellanos as a lower-cost add, especially if the Phillies are willing to cover a large portion of the deal. He has not yet been designated for assignment, but Dombrowski’s comments left little ambiguity about the club’s intentions. ...read more read less