The Philadelphia Phillies signed outfielder Nick Castellanos to a five-year contract worth $100 in 2022 to be a key offensive force.
In 2022, Castellanos hit 263 with 13 home runs and 62 RBIs. This a far cry from his previous production. He hit 34 home runs as recently as 2019. That year, he won a Silver Slugger Award as a member of the Cincinnati Reds.
This year, Castellanos seems to be declining more and faster. He is 4-for-25 and leads the MLB in strikeouts, compiling 12 of them in 25 plate appearances.
Castellanos has been a complete disaster for the Phillies. His attitude is bad. He shows no emotion and mopes around the field.
With superstar Bryce Harper out following Tommy John surgery this past offseason and Rhys Hoskins season ending knee injury, the expectations on Castellanos’ shoulders only multiplied.
The Phillies have rabid fanbase. The heat and pressure is on Castellanos. Fans expect him to live up to that contract.
Castellanos must find a way to drown out all of the background noise and focus on his hitting. If, he doesn’t do that, this town will eat him alive. It will get ugly.
At his introductory press conference with the Phillies Castellanos said, “I don’t have a college degree. I hit baseballs.”
It’s time for him to start hitting baseballs.
Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos. Photo courtsey of Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
