Rangers have opportunity to trade for ousted Phillies outfield slugger

Nick Castellanos has been one of the most under-the-radar hitters in the league for more than a decade now.

The Philadelphia Phillies have made it known that they are going to part ways with the 33-year-old right fielder via trade or release, and the Texas Rangers will without a doubt be among the organizations calling up Dave Dombrowski for Castellanos' services.

Castellanos hits for both power and a good average

Since his first full season in 2014, Castellanos has hit 252 home runs and knocked in 920 runs while maintaining a career .272 batting average.

Last season alone in what was considered a down year, the right-handed power hitter hit .250 with 17 dingers and 72 RBIs.

The struggling 2025 Rangers offense would have killed for a consistent hitter like that in the middle of their lineup.

How could the Rangers make a trade work for Castellanos?

Castellanos still has one year left on his deal with the Phillies and is owed $20 million in 2026, still the organization is looking to unload him due to some off-the-field issues and turmoil between him and Philly manager Rob Thomson.

The Rangers would likely have to absorb some of that salary and offer the Phillies a package of major and or minor leaguers.

The most straightforward deal would likely involve the Rangers swapping Gold Glove outfielder Adolis Garcia for Castellanos and either cash and another player or two. Castellanos and Garcia are the same age and have similar levels of offensive production.

Garcia is due $7.5 million, and it would be a RF for RF transaction. The Rangers would be gaining a more disciplined and complete hitter while losing some power and defense.

A change of scenery could be exactly what Castellanos needs

After playing his previous four seasons in Philly, a relocation to Arlington could be just what the doctor ordered for the two-time and the 2021 NL Silver Slugger winner.

There appears to be some tread left on the tires, and a change of scenery might bring out the best in Castellanos, who has driven in at least 100 runs three separate times in his career and has shown the durability to stay on the field his entire career.

Availability is an asset the Rangers need to be considering moving forward, as the rash of injuries to positional players like Corey Seager, Jake Burger, Evan Carter and Garcia plagued the 2025 team.