The eventual National League champions eliminated the Philadelphia Phillies a year after they lost the World Series.
The objective in 2024 is not only to make the playoffs for the third consecutive season under Rob Thomson, but also to win the World Series once more.
However, in order to accomplish this, the Phillies might feel compelled to give up one of their All-Star players.
The Phillies are “open to trading” two-time All-Star outfielder Nick Castellanos this offseason, according to a source cited by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
The Phillies might want to reallocate the $20 million salary that Castellanos is owed to other areas of the roster in order to make room for free agents Teoscar Hernandez, Jorge Soler, and other outfielders. Feinsand also suggested bringing in Boston’s Alex Verdugo as a potential trade.
While some may find it difficult to adjust to Castellanos’ trade, the Phillies may be able to enhance their pitching staff in addition to being able to be more inventive with their payroll. The Phillies, who are projected to have the largest 26-man payroll in Major League Baseball in 2024, need to take steps to cut expenses while boosting output. Maybe the simplest way for them to achieve both objectives is to trade Castellanos.