1 caveat holding back Phillies’ Nick Castellanos trade talks

Dave Dombrowski finds himself at a crossroads this offseason, one that he knows well from his lengthy history as an executive in MLB. After building a championship-caliber roster that has reached the World Series and advanced to the playoffs three years in a row, the Philadelphia Phillies’ president of baseball operations is under great pressure to deliver the city a title.

The fulfillment of that ultimate goal may entail him to make some key changes. There are multiple fixtures on the ballclub who are labeled as potential trade candidates, including blunt outfielder Nick Castellanos.

The two-time All-Star represents the highs and lows the franchise has undergone in the last few years, blasting a bevvy of clutch hits for the Phillies while also going through prolonged dry spells and weathering fielding limitations. Fans ride the roller coaster with Castellanos, booing him one inning for poor plate discipline and cheering him a couple hours later for notching a walk-off hit.

Philadelphia would probably have a tough time saying goodbye to a player who perfectly embodies what it means to compete for one of the most volatile fan bases in American sports. His potential availability should theoretically intrigue teams that need a little more pop in their lineup. But there is one crucial roadblock that complicates matters.

The Phillies would have to pay a large portion of the $40 million that Castellanos has left on his contract in order to move him this winter, according to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb. Dombrowski could be motivated to acquire an outfielder who is a bit less streaky offensively and more reliable defensively, and if he successfully identifies such a talent, Castellanos might be wearing a different uniform in 2025.

Can the Phillies afford to just run it back next season?