The New York Yankees did their homework this offseason. One of the names quietly circulating in trade discussions was veteran slugger Nick Castellanos. But according to Jon Heyman, the Yankees were ultimately talked out of pursuing him after receiving mixed internal reviews.
At the time, the decision seemed simple: the Yankees pivoted toward a more controlled, complementary approach — bringing back Paul Goldschmidt as a right-handed bench bat and insurance at first base behind the left-handed swinging Ben Rice. Other righty options considered included Austin Slater, Randal Grichuk, and Ty France.
Then everything changed.
The New York Yankees looked into acquiring Nick Castellanos earlier in the offseason from the Philadelphia Phillies, but backed out due to mixed reviews per Jon Heyman.
— Darius Glover (@GloverDarius) February 12, 2026
Phillies Cut Ties After Turbulent Tenure
On February 12, 2026, the Philadelphia Phillies released Castellanos just days before full-squad workouts. The move ended a disappointing and increasingly contentious tenure that never matched the expectations of his five-year, $100 million deal signed in 2022.
His 2025 season told the story of decline: roughly .250/.294/.400 with 17 home runs and negative WAR. That’s a steep drop from his All-Star form just two years prior.
But the numbers weren’t the only issue.
Clubhouse tensions — particularly with manager Rob Thomson — escalated after the now infamous Miami incident in June 2025. Castellanos was pulled late for defensive reasons, responded with what the team deemed an inappropriate dugout comment, and later admitted to bringing a beer into the dugout. The fallout reportedly left teammates and coaches “disgusted,” and any chance of reconciliation evaporated.
Philadelphia tried to move him multiple times — even offering to eat salary — but found no takers. Signing Adolis García sealed his fate. The Phillies will pay nearly all of Castellanos’ $20 million 2026 salary, making him effectively a league-minimum free agent.
The Yankees’ Original Decision
From the Yankees’ perspective, backing off earlier this winter made sense. Castellanos’ declining defense, streaky bat, and clubhouse questions didn’t align with a roster trying to balance stability with youth development.
Instead, they chose flexibility:
- Goldschmidt provides veteran reliability and situational power.
- Ben Rice continues developing with less pressure.
- The bench remains adaptable for midseason moves.
It was a conservative play — but a calculated one.
Now He’s Free — And Fans Are Talking
With Philadelphia eating the contract, the conversation has shifted from “Should the Yankees trade for him?” to “Why not take a flyer?”
Bing Bong Bubba (@UncleBubba_88): “Yankees should absolutely take a flyer on Castellanos. Insurance for Stanton. Righty hitting OFer.”
Toasty2Time (@toasty_yosty2): “Nick Castellanos is basically a free player and the Yankees paid 22 Mil for Trent Grisham.”
The Approach Shot (@approach_shot): “He’s going to be a DH with his terrible defense… is it a given it’ll be Yankees/Red Sox/Dodgers/Mets?”
The fan logic is clear: low cost, right-handed power, and depth behind Giancarlo Stanton. On paper, it checks boxes.
But Does He Fit the Yankees’ Identity?
This is where the conversation gets interesting.
The 2026 Yankees are trying to build something different — more athletic, more disciplined, and less dependent on one-dimensional bats. Castellanos, at this stage, profiles almost exclusively as a DH with defensive liabilities.
There’s also the culture factor. After years of emphasizing clubhouse cohesion, would the Yankees gamble on a player whose recent exit involved internal conflict?
That’s not the Yankee Way — at least not this version of it.
The Bottom Line
The Yankees didn’t pass on Castellanos by accident. They evaluated him and chose a different path. His sudden availability doesn’t erase the concerns that led to that decision.
Could he provide right-handed pop? Sure.
Would he come cheap? Absolutely.
Does he align with the roster vision? That’s far less certain.
For now, the Yankees appear comfortable with their choice — and unless injuries force their hand, Castellanos may remain what he was all winter in the Bronx: a name discussed, but never embraced.
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