Nick Castellanos has been designated for assignment by the San Diego Padres after struggling significantly this season. The 34-year-old, known for his bat, has underperformed with a .191 average over 122 plate appearances, leading the Padres to replace him with Samad Taylor. Castellanos, who signed a lucrative five-year deal with the Phillies, has struggled since being released and picked up by the Padres. His inability to perform both at bat and in the field has led to this decision, marking a notable downturn in his career.

By the Numbers
  • Castellanos has a batting line of .191/.221/.339 in 2026.
  • His strikeout rate sits at 27.9%, significantly higher than his career averages.
Yes, But

Despite his poor 2026 season, Castellanos previously demonstrated the ability to be a force at the plate, producing 23 home runs and a 104 wRC+ in 2024. Clubs may consider taking a chance on him if they believe he can rediscover that form.

State of Play
  • The Padres have moved on from Castellanos after a disappointing run.
  • He will likely be released in the coming days, pending a potential interest from other clubs.
What's Next

Castellanos may continue his career with another team if a club believes he can rebound. If not, he could face a lengthy stay on the sidelines following his release.

Bottom Line

Castellanos' drop in performance has prompted the Padres to cut ties, emphasizing the risks involved in high-value contracts for aging players. His future remains uncertain, but if any team is willing to gamble, he could be a low-cost acquisition with upside potential.