Rangers Rumors: Texas pursuing MLB's newest troublemaker after controversial release

Following reports that the Philadelphia Phillies released Nick Castellanos, the veteran outfielder is in need of a new home. The 13-year MLB veteran had spent time with the Tigers, Cubs, Reds, and Phillies over that time, compiling a .272 average with 250 home runs across 1,688 games. 

Nick Castellanos could provide consistent offense for Rangers 

With Texas struggling in the batter’s box in 2025, Castellanos, who reportedly brought beer into the Phillies' dugout after being taken out of a game and complained to manager Rob Thomson about the team rules last season, would provide some stability and support to superstars like Corey Seager. The outfielder had a bit of a down year by his standards in 2025 with a .250 average and 17 home runs, but there are plenty of reasons to believe he could return to form in a new place. 

The Rangers tallied a team batting average of just .234 in 2025, the fifth-lowest mark across the league. While the season was defined by injuries and poor play, it highlighted a need for Texas to make moves in order to improve its offense and get back to the postseason. 

The former Phillies outfielder is the perfect candidate for the job, because he can be counted on to be in the lineup every day. Given that the Rangers outfield struggled to provide for the team last season, with everyday players like Adolis Garcia seeing significant decreases in production, Castellanos has the opportunity to help the team turn it around at the plate. 

Outfielder fills right field hole left by Adolis Garcia 

With the departure of Garcia following the 2025 season, the Rangers are looking to fill a hole left by the veteran in right field. Castellanos has played the position for the majority of his career and could be the right choice to follow in Garcia’s footsteps. 

Right field wouldn’t be the only place Castellanos could make an impact, either. The 33-year-old has been a designated hitter plenty of times throughout his career, which could be the route the Rangers take, given Castellanos’s reputation of being a below-average defender and Texas' acquisition of outfielder Brandon Nimmo.

Either way, Texas should take a chance on the veteran due to what he could bring to the team. There’s quite a bit of upside to Castellanos for the Rangers, and he could be just what they need to compete for the American League West crown. 

Veteran could help Rangers' young core progress heading into 2026

Outside of his play on the field, Castellanos brings a wealth of knowledge to any team willing to sign him despite the recent controversy surrounding his name. The veteran, who has played in the league for well over a decade, has a lot to offer the Rangers’ young core of Wyatt Langford, Cody Freeman, and Evan Carter, which could make him an ideal roster addition heading into 2026. 

With Langford coming off an award-winning season and Evan Carter having a postseason for the ages in 2023, the two outfielders have the potential to be part of the Rangers’ core for a long time. With Castellanos on the roster, the two young players could benefit immensely from the lessons Castellanos has learned throughout his MLB tenure. Building a solid foundation for the future around Langford and Carter will be integral to the Rangers’ success in the future, and bringing Castellanos aboard has the potential to give the two young players a chance to see what it’s like to have a long career in Major League Baseball. Castellanos’s expertise is almost worth a contract in itself, and could pay off down the line even after the outfielder retires. Overall, signing the veteran could be the right move for the Rangers heading into 2026, but we’ll have to wait and see what the team does for now.