In San Diego, Castellanos brings a high-ceiling bat that could elevate the lineup\u2019s depth to the top tier of the National League.<\/a> The move comes after last week\u2019s addition of Miguel Andujar, giving first-year manager Craig Stammen a few difficult lineup combinations.<\/p>\nCastellanos experienced a roller-coaster tenure in Philadelphia after an impressive 140 wRC+ season with Cincinnati in 2021 that resulted in a nine figure contract. The tenure included All-Star appearances, playoff moments and walk-offs, but also locker room controversy – including the infamous dugout beer incident – inconsistent production and heavy media scrutiny.<\/p>\n
Castellanos remained healthy in Philadelphia, logging 2,477 plate appearances across four seasons. He totaled 82 home runs and posted a 100 wRC+, but accumulated just 0.8 WAR during that stretch.<\/p>\n
His best season came in 2023, when he hit 29 home runs, drove in 106 runs and produced a 108 wRC+. Despite back-to-back solid seasons in 2023 and 2024 with a 100-plus wRC+, he is coming off his worst full-season campaign, finishing with 17 home runs, 72 RBIs and a 90 wRC+.<\/p>\n
He\u2019ll look to rebound in what is likely a smaller role with San Diego. Left-handed slugger Gavin Sheets was recently named the starting first baseman, though he could shift to DH and platoon with Castellanos depending on matchups.<\/p>\n
Last season, Castellanos struggled against both left- and right-handed pitching, posting a 91 or lower wRC+ in each split. In the two previous seasons, however, he dominated southpaws with a 147 wRC+ in 2023 and a 125 mark in 2024. Sheets, meanwhile, produced an 89 wRC+ in same-handed matchups compared to a 119 wRC+ against right-handers in 2025.<\/p>\n
The biggest question mark, however, is how Castellanos fits alongside Andujar, who recently signed a one-year, $4 million deal. Both players profile as platoon specialists who have historically hit left-handed pitching well. The most likely early-season alignment would see Andujar and Sheets platoon at first base, with Castellanos getting the first opportunity at regular DH at-bats given his career’s pedigree.<\/p>\n
The revamped lineup could look something like this:<\/p>\n
Fernando Tatis Jr.Jackson MerrillManny MachadoRamon LaureanoGavin Sheets\/Miguel AndujarXander BogaertsJake CronenworthNick CastellanosFreddy Fermin<\/p>\n
On one hand, Castellanos is coming off a down season despite a fortunate .298 BABIP. On the other hand, he previously carried a reputation as one of baseball\u2019s better hitters, posting consecutive 120-plus wRC+ seasons with Detroit in 2018 and 2019.<\/p>\n
Even if he doesn\u2019t fully recapture that form, the move represents a low-risk bet with Philadelphia covering all of his salary.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Castellanos marks Preller\u2019s final notable offensive addition of the offseason as he shifts focus toward last-minute pitching depth.<\/p>\n