Castellanos joined San Diego hoping his experience and offensive power can help him secure a role on the team. However, the veteran outfielder made it clear that his focus is not on the future yet, but on proving he deserves a spot on the roster.

“I mean, right now my anticipation level is just on today’s game, man,” Castellanos said, according to Sammy Levitt on “X”. “I’m still trying to make the club.”

Castellanos could provide depth for Padres lineup

If Castellanos earns a roster spot, he could provide valuable depth for San Diego’s lineup. The veteran has the ability to play both corner outfield positions and can also handle first base when needed.

With Fernando Tatis Jr. expected to start in right field and Ramon Laureano likely handling left field duties, Castellanos could rotate into the lineup depending on matchups or injuries.

Versatility could help Castellanos make the team

Castellanos may also receive opportunities as the designated hitter, giving the Padres another right-handed bat in the lineup. His experience and power could make him a useful option in different situations throughout the season. For now, the veteran remains focused on performing well during Spring Training as he attempts to secure a spot with San Diego.

As previously reported, the Padres plan to use Castellanos at three different positions if needed. First base will be the newest assignment for him in recent years, as he has primarily played the outfield with the Philadelphia Phillies over the past few seasons.

The Padres will also deploy him in the outfield when necessary, but his third option will be at designated hitter. The club is expected to closely evaluate Castellanos’ performance during spring training games before finalizing how frequently he rotates between roles.

Castellanos on the Padres’ depth chart

As noted, Castellanos appears on the Padres’ depth chart at three different positions. Specifically, he is listed as the backup in right field behind Fernando Tatis Jr. if needed, with Ramon Laureano also an option according to the depth chart.

Miguel Andujar is currently projected as the Padres’ primary designated hitter heading into the 2026 MLB season, with Castellanos likely serving as the secondary option, particularly in less demanding matchups.

Sheets acknowledged that adding Castellanos brings a veteran right-handed bat to the lineup. As a left-handed hitter who struggled against same-handed pitching in 2025, Sheets noted that having a veteran like Castellanos available to platoon at first base or rotate into the DH spot makes the Padres a more dangerous and flexible team offensively.

According to Dan Clark of The Big Leagues Daily, the Phillies reached a pre-agreement with David Basabe, the 11-year-old Venezuelan shortsop sensation. Basabe is part of the 2031 international class and, according to Wilber Sánchez, he is the youngest player in MLB history to secure a pre-agreement with a major leagues franchise.

Basabe has been training in the MB13 Baseball Academy. It’s worth noting that pre-agreements with international prospects are non-binding deals. Instead, they are verbal signings. This means either side can back out if push comes to shove. It’s also important to say the Phillies aren’t paying the $1.8 million right now. That is the agreed future signing bonus at 16. What this does is the Phillies gain early commitment, scouting access, and development influence.

How does the pre-agreement unfolds?

The pre-agreement work as follows. From the age of 11 until 15, Basabe will still train in Venezuela or where he desires. Most likely, scouts will monitor his development and the Phillies provide some sort of guidance, though there is not a formal contract yet.

When Basabe turns 16 (the 2031 signing period), he is eligible to officially sign with the Phillies, getting the $1.8 million bonus from the international pool. He will then enter the Phillies’ minor leagues. After the age of 16, he will progress through the minors and eventually be called up to the majors. Pre-agreements rely on trust.

Are the Phillies’ minors any good?

According to Ethan Witte of TheGoodPhight.com, the Phillies’ minor league system is average at best. However, outfielder Justin Crawford is poised to make a full move to the major league roster. So, while not the best developmental place, the Phillies still can bring some up-and-comers to the big leagues.

The Phillies just let go Nick Castellanos because of their faith in Crawford. Also, they brought Adolis Garcia on a one-year deal as insurance. If the Basabe deal becomes a good one or a bad one remainst to be seen, but it can take up to a decade to see if it was worth it.

Just a year ago, Buehler was riding high off his second championship with the Dodgers, though his 2024 regular season fell short of expectations. He then signed a one-year, $21 million deal with the Boston Red Sox.

Buehler’s 2025 season was turbulent. After struggling with the Red Sox, posting a 5.45 ERA in 23 appearances, he was released. He finished the year with just three appearances for the Philadelphia Phillies, signaling a steep climb back to relevance in the majors.

On Monday, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the Padres had signed Buehler to a minor-league contract with an invitation to major league spring training. This gives the 31-year-old a chance to compete for a spot in a Padres rotation aiming to challenge the Dodgers in 2026.

What Buehler brings to San Diego

Buehler’s career numbers remain impressive despite recent struggles. He owns a 57–29 regular-season record with a 3.52 ERA, and a 3.04 postseason ERA. Notably, in World Series play, he allowed just one earned run over 19 innings. Padres fans hope his experience and proven track record can help anchor the rotation.

Motivation and opportunity

After a difficult season, Buehler now has a chance to prove himself once again. Facing the Dodgers — the team that initially drafted him and where he achieved World Series glory — could serve as extra motivation. The Padres have added a veteran presence with championship experience, a potential difference-maker in a competitive NL West.

According to The New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Padres have secured Ty France for the upcoming season. France, who didn’t impress during his stint with the Blue Jays last year, is poised to bring his talents to San Diego.

The Padres have made two significant roster additions after a subdued offseason in terms of trades. Now, with Castellanos and France on board, the franchise aims to challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers as they look to defend their title.

With these acquisitions, the Padres hope to excel in the upcoming season. Star player Manny Machado subtly communicated his support for General Manager AJ Preller to the Padres’ front office following Castellanos’ signing.

France’s potential impact on the Padres’ roster

As the Padres gear up for a competitive season, Ty France’s addition brings several benefits. His presence could enhance defensive stability, given his previous acclaim with a Gold Glove award, where he led all MLB first basemen with +10 Outs Above Average (OAA).

Furthermore, France provides a right-handed batting option off the bench, evidenced by his .257 average, 7 home runs, and 52 RBIs across 138 games with the Twins and Blue Jays last year. Known for his positional versatility and reliability, France was originally drafted by the Padres as a third baseman, although he primarily plays first base now.

Other additions to the Padres’ roster

Besides Castellanos and France, the Padres have strategically reinforced their roster, particularly in the bullpen, to ensure depth and adaptability in what is anticipated to be a demanding season.

Here are some of the additional players the Padres have acquired:

• Miguel Andujar (LF/DH)
• German Marquez (SP)
• Michael King (SP)
• Griffin Canning (SP)
• Marco Gonzales (SP)
• Sung Mun Song (INF)
• Freddy Fermin (C)
• Ty Adcock (RP)
• Daison Acosta (RP)

The report came from Bob Nightengale on X (@bnightengale): “Manny Machado, who has known Nick Castellanos since they were kids in Miami, says Padres GM AJ Preller deserves an extension for ‘getting a $20 million player for pennies on the dollar.’”

With Castellanos now on board, the Padres gain a versatile bench piece capable of playing three different roles, designated hitter, first base, and the outfield. That flexibility should benefit the team significantly and reflects what Machado was highlighting: the value of acquiring a former Philadelphia Phillies player at a bargain price.

Preller responds to Machado’s proposal

The message that Machado was calling for an extension for A. J. Preller spread quickly, and reporters soon asked the Padres executive how he felt about the veteran infielder publicly backing him. Preller responded by referencing the massive contract Machado signed with the Padres.

Bob Nightengale shared the quote on X: “A.J. Preller, Padres president of baseball operations who’s on the final year of his contract, when asked whether he appreciated Manny Machado saying he deserves an extension: ‘You give out a $300 million contract, you usually get those kind of comments.’”

During a press availability on February 15, 2026, Preller also expressed optimism about what Castellanos brings to the roster, highlighting his veteran presence and the “assets he brings to the clubhouse.” The former Philadelphia Phillies slugger hit 17 home runs last season.

“He’s very passionate as far as how much he cares … And he’s a player. He’s done it. He’s put on spikes, he’s grinded, he’s felt the feeling of success, and he’s also felt the feeling, you know, when the game doesn’t go your way. So there’s a lot of respect in that,” Castellanos said recently about Stammen.

Castellanos not only praised Stammen but also spoke highly of what the Padres represent to him. As for the manager, it’s worth noting that he played for the Washington Nationals from 2009 to 2015 and later was with San Diego from 2017 to 2022.

Castellanos sees the Padres as the perfect fit

The former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder, who hit 17 home runs in Philadelphia last season, said playing for the Padres feels like joining a team that knows exactly what it wants and is focused on winning as many games as possible. He also highlighted the way the organization treats its players as a key factor in his enthusiasm.

“It’s a veteran baseball team. They don’t cut corners as far as what they do to prepare and win. And also, too, is the reputation they have on how they treat their players and how they have their backs. Even if something goes a little bit awry, they still stand with them, and they don’t deviate, I guess, from their commitment to them as a person.”

Last season was not a bad one for the Padres. They reached the postseason but were eliminated in the Wild Card Series, losing 2–1 to the Chicago Cubs. Over the past six years, San Diego has made four postseason appearances, with the most notable run coming in 2022 when they advanced to the NLCS before falling 4–1 to the Phillies.

The report came from Jeff Kerr, who revealed on X that Castellanos’ former team will cover almost all of what remains on his final contract year. “The Phillies are responsible for $19.22 million of Nick Castellanos’ salary this season after his deal with the Padres.”

As a result, the Padres will pay Castellanos just over $780,000, essentially close to the league minimum for a rookie player. That gives San Diego a significant financial advantage, adding a relatively low-cost veteran who could provide depth as a bench option in either the infield or outfield.

What position will Castellanos play with the Padres?

It’s still not entirely clear, and there has been no official announcement. However, Dennis Lin, MLB and Padres writer for The Athletic, reported that Castellanos is expected to take on as many as three different roles with his new club. Those roles could include designated hitter, first baseman, and outfielder.

San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen spoke indirectly about how Castellanos could benefit from a fresh start in San Diego. “Sometimes you get the best out of players when they get to start over and try to learn from their past experiences,” the skipper said.

But Stammen was not the only one to suggest that a new environment could help the former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder. Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove echoed a similar sentiment about his new teammate. “Sometimes getting in a new environment, a fresh group of guys can re-spark something.”

“Nick can be himself and do whatever he wants in our clubhouse,” Merrill said when asked about Castellanos’ past issues in Philadelphia. He added, “That was the Phillies — we’re the San Diego Padres.”

It’s safe to assume other MLB players were aware of the Miami incident and saw the letter Castellanos posted on Instagram following his release from the Phillies. What stands out is how quickly he secured a new team after departing Philadelphia.

Merrill wasn’t the only one to speak on Castellanos

Beyond Merrill’s comments, fellow Padre Mason Miller also addressed the addition, saying he is “excited for what he brings to the Padres.” Miller added that players like Castellanos are exactly what the team needs to fill different roles.

Gavin Sheets was also asked about Castellanos, specifically whether he was concerned about Castellanos potentially impacting his role at first base, a position Castellanos has said he is willing to play if needed. Sheets’ response suggested he is not worried about where his new teammate lines up defensively.

“The Padres may have little money to spend, but in 24 hours sign OF Nick Castellanos and right-handers Griffin Canning and Germán Márquez on cheap one-year deals,” Bob Nightengale wrote about Castellanos’ arrival in San Diego.

According to insider Robert Murray via his X account, free agent Griffin Canning has reached an agreement with the Padres and will join the team ahead of the upcoming season. Physical exams are still pending.

In this way, Craig Stammen’s team adds experience to its roster. The talented pitcher, who in 2020 was awarded the Gold Glove Award, comes ready to bring all his expertise to a team aiming to be a contender.

Griffin Canning’s numbers in 2025

Griffin Canning enjoyed a productive 2025 season with the New York Mets, establishing himself as a key mid-rotation starter after signing a one-year deal. Over 16 starts, he posted a solid 7-3 record with a 3.77 ERA, providing much-needed stability to the pitching staff.

Canning logged 76.1 innings, recording 70 strikeouts and finishing the campaign with a 1.38 WHIP. Although his season was eventually hampered by injury, his performance was a significant bright spot for the Mets and has reportedly sparked interest in a reunion for the 2026 season.

A team that shows promise

The San Diego Padres are entering the 2026 season with clear championship aspirations, banking on the veteran presence and offensive fire-power of Nick Castellanos to spearhead their title charge.

After acquiring the reliable slugger to bolster a lineup already featuring superstars like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., the front office has signaled that they are in “win-now” mode.

If their core stars can stay healthy and harmonize their collective talent, San Diego possesses the necessary depth and star power to navigate a deep postseason run and finally bring a World Series trophy to Petco Park.

According to a report by John Heyman, Castellanos has finalized a deal with the San Diego Padres. Under the terms of the agreement, the Phillies will cover the majority of his remaining salary, while Castellanos will earn the league minimum on his new contract with San Diego.

This move comes as Castellanos seeks to contribute to a contending team while getting consistent playing time, joining a Padres roster that has made multiple offseason acquisitions to strengthen its lineup. “Castellanos will be paid minimum on MLB deal with San Diego. Phils pay the rest. Agreed to,” Heyman reported on X.

Padres adding veteran bat

Castellanos brings experience and offensive capability to his new club, offering valuable versatility as he steps into this next chapter. As John Heyman reported, “Castellanos will be some combo of DH, 1B and OF for Padres. RF is booked obvs. Signed pending physical.” That expected role gives San Diego flexibility across multiple positions while adding a proven bat to the lineup.

Financial terms and expectations

The structure of the deal ensures that Castellanos is incentivized to perform while the Phillies cover most of his previous salary. “The San Diego Padres take a flier on recently released OF Nick Castellanos, paying him the minimum $780,000 salary, with the Phillies still responsible for 19.22 million of his salary in 2026.“ According to Bob Nightengale.