Phillies Cut Ties with Nick Castellanos; Outfielder Responds with Detailed “Manifesto” on Departure
In a decisive move that ends months of speculation, the Philadelphia Phillies officially released veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos on Thursday, February 12, opting to absorb the remaining $20 million on his contract rather than bring him to spring training. The transaction was immediately followed by a candid and lengthy handwritten statement posted to Castellanos’ Instagram account, which local columns have characterized as a “wild manifesto” revealing the depths of the friction between the player and the organization.
The Breaking News
The Phillies announced the release just days before the full squad was set to report to Clearwater, Florida. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski confirmed that the team had attempted to trade Castellanos throughout the offseason but found no suitors willing to take on his salary or roster spot. Consequently, the organization chose to eat the final year of the five-year, $100 million deal signed in 2022.
“We aired out our differences,” Castellanos wrote in his social media post, referencing a closed-door meeting with manager Rob Thomson and Dombrowski. The post, spanning four handwritten pages, detailed a previously undisclosed incident from the 2025 season that appears to have been the breaking point for the franchise.
Deep Search: The “Beer in the Dugout” Incident
The core of Castellanos’ Instagram revelation centers on a disciplinary issue in Miami during the 2025 season. Castellanos admitted to bringing a beer into the dugout after being removed from a game for a defensive replacement—a move he had frequently chafed against.
According to his account, he complained to manager Rob Thomson about team rules regarding alcohol in the dugout while holding the beverage. Although he claimed teammates removed the beer before he could drink it, the act was viewed as insubordinate. This context sheds new light on his benching last June, which was publicly attributed at the time to an “inappropriate comment.”
This admission validates long-standing rumors that the relationship between Castellanos and the coaching staff had deteriorated beyond repair. By releasing him now, the Phillies are effectively paying a $20 million premium to remove a distraction from the clubhouse before the 2026 campaign begins.
Objections and Counter-Perspectives
While columnists like Marcus Hayes have branded the post a “manifesto” and criticized Castellanos as “selfish” and “insubordinate,” some observers argue the release is a mismanagement of assets.
Asset Management: Critics point out that despite a down year in 2025 (.250 average, 17 home runs), Castellanos remains a capable hitter who could have offered depth or served as a designated hitter. Eating $20 million for zero return is a steep price, especially for a team with championship aspirations.
Clubhouse Chemistry vs. Talent: There is an argument that the “beer incident,” while unprofessional, is being used as a scapegoat for the team’s broader frustrations with his declining defensive metrics. Some fans on social media have rallied around Castellanos’ transparency, suggesting that the “manifesto” was simply a player defending his reputation against vague leaks.
Background Info: The End of an Era
Nick Castellanos arrived in Philadelphia in 2022 with high expectations, signing a massive deal alongside Kyle Schwarber to power the Phillies’ offense. His tenure was a rollercoaster of high highs—including consecutive multi-homer games in the 2023 NLDS—and frustrating lows, characterized by prolonged slumps and defensive struggles in right field.
The writing was on the wall for his departure as early as December, when the Phillies signed outfielder Adolis García to a one-year, $10 million contract. García, a superior defender with power potential, is expected to take over right field duties immediately.
Castellanos leaves Philadelphia with a mixed legacy: a two-time All-Star who provided memorable postseason moments but ultimately could not align with the team’s disciplined culture under Rob Thomson. He is now a free agent and can sign with any team for the league minimum, with the Phillies paying the bulk of his 2026 salary.
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