Phillies signing All-Star Nick Castellanos to 5-year, $100 million contract, per report
The Philadelphia Phillies are going all-in on their offense.
Free agent outfielder Nick Castellanos is in agreement with the Phillies on a five-year, $100 million contract, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.
Castellanos is coming off his first career All-Star season with the Cincinnati Reds, hitting .309/.362/.576 with 34 homers and 100 RBI. Outside of a down year in 2020, the 30-year-old has been a dependable power bat between stints with the Reds, Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers, slugging .515 with 142 homers in his past six seasons.
The Phillies probably don't make this move without the DH
Given the Phillies' current roster composition, it is almost certain their deal with Castellanos, who has never rated well as a fielder, doesn't happen without MLB adding the designated hitter to the National League.
Two days earlier, Philadelphia added Kyle Schwarber, another defensively limited power bat, on a four-year, $79 million deal. With both Schwarber and Catellanos aboard, the Phillies have a well-stocked middle of the lineup.
The pair figure to see most of their time at left field and DH, with reigning MVP Bryce Harper at right field, Rhys Hoskins at first base and Alec Bohm at third base. That should make for a formidable offense, though your guess is as good as ours on how well the group will perform on defense.
The Phillies have identified their way forward as they try to compete in an NL East featuring the reigning champion Atlanta Braves and big-spending New York Mets. The team finished second in the division last season at 82-80.