Dave Dombrowski gave an explanation for the Philadelphia Phillies’ predictable decision to cut ties with Nick Castellanos on Thursday.
Despite Castellanos’ achievements over four seasons, the Phillies executive detailed the exact circumstances of his dismissal and why it “didn’t work out.”
Before the 2022 season, Castellanos signed a five-year, $100 million contract with the Phillies, and he has been a mainstay in right field. However, he had minus-12 outs over average, which was tied for the worst among 110 outfielders, and his play, particularly in right field, collapsed.
To replace him, the Phillies recently signed Adolis Garcia to a $10 million, one-year contract.
Dave Dombrowski: Phillies, Nick Castellanos Needed ‘a Change of Scenery’
It was well known that Dombrowski and the Phillies were scouting Castellanos, and the executive said that he was even prepared to forgo cash and accept a restricted return in order to acquire the seasoned outfielder.
Dombrowski, however, determined that he and the Phillies had to move on.
Dombrowski remarked, “It just hasn’t worked out.” You have to admit that this isn’t going to work at some point, and we’ve decided that Nick needs a change of scenery and our best wishes. He made numerous positive contributions to our organization.
In Castellanos’ first season in Philadelphia, the Phillies won the World Series, and his second season was by far his best. He helped the Phillies win 90 games and get within one game of the World Series once more. He was an All-Star and the team’s second-highest home run total (29), only surpassed by Kyle Schwarber.
He spent four years here. Every year he was here, we won,” Dombrowski remarked. “He had many big hits for us, including many in the postseason.”
Dave Dombrowski Pushed Back Against the ‘Miami Incident’
Castellanos admitted the reported incident in Miami where he cracked a beer in the dugout after being pulled for defense late in a game against the Miami Marlins, but he nonetheless thanked Phillies supporters for their support in his letter.
According to Dombrowski, there was more than one scenario at work.
“I am aware that this incident in Miami is receiving a lot of attention,” Dombrowski remarked. It’s not necessarily a single incidence, in my opinion. I simply believe that there are instances when, despite your constant presence, things simply don’t work out at a certain moment.
Rather, Dombrowski cited the Phillies’ choice to platoon Castellanos with Max Kepler in right field following their midseason acquisition of Harrison Bader. Castellanos struggled to adapt to playing part-time, according to Dombrowski.
“Nick has been an excellent player. He’s had a good career and is likely to keep doing things well,” Dombrowski stated. However, when a talented player’s position with the team is altered, it frequently leads to conflict. His position was altered last year. For many consecutive years, he played every day. Thus, that may occasionally be a contributing factor.
“After all of that, sometimes you just need a change of scenery.”
