The Phillies are “pretty well set” in terms of position players, according to President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski, who made this statement to reporters during the MLB’s general managers’ meetings in Scottsdale, Arizona.
That doesn’t mean Dombrowski can’t pull off a major deal.
The Phillies are open to trading right fielder Nick Castellanos, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Feinsand reported, “A source says the Phillies are considering trading Nick Castellanos, whose inconsistent play and lacklustre NLCS showing may lead to an offseason makeover.
After a difficult rookie season with the Phillies, 31-year-old Castellanos recovered. Along with another Phillies representative, he finished 2023 with a slash line of.272/.311/.476 that included 29 home runs and 106 RBIs. During the National League Division Series against the Braves, he was as focused as a hitter can be; he hit four home runs, two of which came against Spencer Strider in a decisive Game 4.
Like many Phillies hitters, Castellanos struggled after losing Game 2 of the NLCS, finishing the series 0-for-19 and missing several crucial opportunities.
Over the final five NLCS games, Castellanos, Trea Turner, and other players increased the strike zone. Dombrowski made a comment about the Phillies’ need to get better at chasing in 2024 as a result of that and their early-season struggles in that regard.
“This year, we swung at far too many pitches outside of the strike zone. Hugely excessive number,” Dombrowski remarked during the Phillies’ year-end press conference. “I am aware that some of our guys chase, but this year, for whatever reason, they chased even more. And I believe that’s something we should talk about. Given that we’ve already held meetings to discuss how to improve in that area, I know we’ll address it.”
The Phillies could try to get better by making personnel trades. The Phillies may focus on moving Castellanos since no one is willing to take on Turner’s remaining $272 million and 10 years of contract.
Over the following three seasons, $60 million is owed to Castellanos. The Phillies would probably have to pay down a portion of the deal if they traded Castellanos. The Phillies could be contacted by a team in need of a right-handed hitting outfielder because there aren’t many position players in this year’s free agent class.
A spot in the outfield will open up with the trade of Castellanos. The Phillies would need to acquire a replacement player through trade or signing Kyle Schwarber, who is expected to be the team’s starting designated hitter.
There aren’t many excellent options available. More of a DH, Jorge Soler opted out of his contract with the Marlins. Hernandez Teoscar is a free agent. He has the same swing-and-miss and streakiness issues, but the Phillies reportedly showed interest in signing him at the deadline.
Feinsand speculates that if the Phillies trade Castellanos, they may move Harper back to right field and re-sign Rhys Hoskins, despite Dombrowski openly declaring the team’s intention to name Bryce Harper as its full-time first baseman. The Phillies called Hoskins on Sunday to let him know that they intended to move Harper to first base, Dombrowski told reporters.