The Phillies just created an opening that could hand the Guardians a clean path to a former All-Star outfielder.NL
The Cleveland Guardians have some intriguing young talent in the outfield, but let’s be honest – this group is still very much a work in progress. Chase DeLauter and George Valera are two names that bring real excitement, and the front office has already signaled that both will get long looks in 2026. But there’s a catch: both players have struggled to stay healthy, which is a big reason why their MLB debuts didn’t come until after August 31 last season.
That kind of injury history makes it risky to bank solely on internal options. And while the Guardians are clearly committed to giving their young guys a shot, it doesn’t mean they can’t also hedge their bets – especially with a veteran presence who can stabilize the outfield and add a little punch to the lineup.
Enter Nick Castellanos, who suddenly looks like a realistic trade target after the Phillies signed Adolis García to a one-year, $10 million deal. That move all but confirms the writing on the wall in Philadelphia: Castellanos is on his way out. The Phillies have been open about their willingness to move him, and now that García is in the fold, there’s no real spot left for Castellanos in the outfield rotation.
And here’s where it gets interesting for Cleveland. With the Phillies needing to move Castellanos and now lacking leverage, the Guardians could be in position to acquire him at a relatively low cost. That’s the kind of opportunity a team with outfield depth concerns has to explore.
Now, let’s not sugarcoat it – Castellanos is coming off the worst season of his career. He slashed .250 with 17 homers and 72 RBIs over 147 games, and defensively, he graded out among the worst outfielders in baseball. He’s not the player he was a few years ago, and at this stage, he probably isn’t an everyday guy anymore.
But here’s the thing: the Guardians wouldn’t need him to be. With DeLauter, Valera, CJ Kayfus (who can handle some right field), and Petey Halpin all in the mix, Cleveland has options.
What they don’t have is a proven veteran bat who can handle left-handed pitching and offer some lineup balance. Castellanos, a career .294 hitter against lefties, fits that bill.
He could serve as a right-handed platoon option, splitting time between right field and designated hitter.
Sure, the $20 million salary for next season – the final year of his five-year, $100 million deal – is a lot for a part-time player. But the Phillies are likely going to eat a chunk of that salary to facilitate a deal.
And if that’s the case, the Guardians wouldn’t need to give up much in return. Certainly not a top pitching prospect like Parker Messick or a high-upside infielder like Angel Genao.
A lower-level lottery ticket prospect might be enough to get it done.
It’s not a slam dunk. Castellanos is a gamble. But for a Guardians team that needs to patch some holes in the outfield without blocking their top prospects, this might be the kind of calculated risk that pays off – especially if the cost is minimal and the Phillies are footing part of the bill.
Cleveland’s outfield needs help. Castellanos might not be the long-term answer, but in the short term, he could be exactly what they need: a proven bat, a veteran presence, and a stopgap that gives the kids time to grow – without forcing them to carry the load from day one.
