Phillies Flying Under the Radar: A Fresh Perspective
In the aftermath of the 2023 season, the Philadelphia Phillies found themselves at the center of a media frenzy. Their early playoff exit, following two deep runs and a 95-win regular season, sparked a wave of criticism from talk radio and various media outlets. Nick Castellanos, the Phillies’ right fielder, observed this reaction for about a week after the season ended. Instead of feeling aggrieved or defensive, Castellanos saw it differently. "It feels like a freeing place to play baseball," he remarked. "We have less pressure as a team this year, and if we win, it’s a happy surprise. If we lose, you guys look smart, which is dope, right?"
A Pragmatic Approach to the New Season
Castellanos is known for his pragmatic approach to the game. While others might be motivated by a desire to prove their critics wrong, he remains focused on the process rather than the outcome. "I’m not on a revenge tour to give everyone the middle finger," he clarified. "Baseball is hard, and the Mets were hot. They beat us. I’ve put in the work to be ready, and that’s the only thing I can control." This mindset is refreshingly grounded, acknowledging the unpredictability of the sport while emphasizing the importance of preparation and health. As the Phillies kick off the 2024 season, Castellanos is excited for the opportunity to compete, recognizing that going deep in October is far from a given and that staying healthy and sharp in spring training are his primary concerns.
Reflecting on the Agent Change
This season marks Year 4 of Castellanos’ five-year contract with the Phillies, a deal that pays him $20 million each season through 2025. A significant change for Castellanos is his decision to represent himself, having previously been represented by the formidable Scott Boras. He made this choice last summer and even discussed it with Boras when the Phillies visited Dodger Stadium in August. "I’m not against having an agent," Castellanos explained. "I just felt that I wanted to speak for myself. I have a good relationship with the Boras organization, and I even texted him congratulations when Soto signed his contract. He’s very good at what he does. But right now, I prefer to handle my career conversations directly with my employer."
Addressing Trade Rumors
Over the offseason, Castellanos’ name surfaced in trade rumors, a common occurrence for players of his caliber. He took a straightforward approach to dealing with these speculations. "I just went to Dave Dombrowski, our president of baseball operations, and asked him if any of it was true. He said no," Castellanos shared. "I have media friends who told me that sometimes these stories are just made up to have something to talk about. I’m more comfortable now, knowing that I can go directly to the team and ask questions about my status without feeling intimidated. When you’re younger and all you know is having an agent, you can feel like you need to go through your legal representation for everything. I’m past that phase."
A Season of Peaks and Valleys
During his time with the Phillies, Castellanos has experienced both highs and lows. His batting statistics over the past three years—hitting .263/.309/.435 with an average of 31 doubles, 22 home runs, and 85 RBIs—highlight the consistency he brings to the lineup. However, his performance in the 2023 postseason was a rollercoaster. Castellanos shone in the first seven playoff games, going 10-for-27 with two doubles and five home runs. But the subsequent 0-for-20 slump with 10 strikeouts in the final six games, leading to the Phillies’ elimination by the Diamondbacks, was a stark contrast. Despite this, he managed to play all 162 games in 2024, arguably his best offensive performance in the NLDS against the Mets, where he batted 7-for-17 with a double, homer, and three RBIs. Even with this heavy workload, Castellanos finished the season healthy, a testament to his physical and mental conditioning.
Preparing for the 2024 Season
The quick turnaround from the 2023 season’s end to the start of winter training was seamless for Castellanos. "I felt pretty good after the end of the year. I rolled right into my workouts pretty early," he said. "This winter, I was excited to get back. I didn’t take much time off and have been preparing and training diligently." Manager Rob Thomson had a conversation with Castellanos about playing all 162 games on Opening Day last year, which became a personal goal. This year, while he is still committed to staying healthy and consistent, he is less fixated on the exact number of games. "It will probably become a story and get more attention when I do sit out a game, but I’m not trying to break any records," he joked. "I’m just happy to be 32 and feeling really good. I’m excited to play for a team that has a chance to win."
A Positive Outlook for the Future
Castellanos’ outlook for the 2024 season is optimistic but realistic. He acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead but is confident in his team’s ability to compete. "We need to stay healthy and prepare well," he reiterated. "That’s the key to success. We have a great group of players, and if we stick together and focus on the task at hand, good things can happen." His decision to represent himself and his comfort in discussing his status with the team reflect a mature and empowered approach to his career. As the Phillies begin their spring training in Clearwater, Florida, Castellanos is ready to lead by example, both on and off the field, and contribute to what could be a surprising and successful season.
