Nick Castellanos Expresses Disdain for Two Phillies Staffers Before Release
Nick Castellanos, a former outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, openly expressed disdain for two key staff members: manager Rob Thomson and hitting coach Kevin Long. Castellanos felt that their lack of Major League playing experience made it difficult for him to trust their guidance. His comments were reported by The Athletic.
Castellanos’ Discontent in Philadelphia
The Phillies officially released Castellanos on Thursday, despite one year and $20 million remaining on his original five-year, $100 million contract. He joined the Phillies ahead of the 2022 season but struggled to find his place within the team’s framework.
Falling Out with Management
Castellanos’s strained relationship with Thomson and Long was particularly evident. While it is common for managers and coaches not to have had illustrious playing careers, Castellanos highlighted this discrepancy as a significant issue. Thomson had a modest playing career, reaching only Single-A, while Long achieved a Triple-A level.
Despite their backgrounds, Thomson’s ability to manage players has earned him praise, and Long is recognized as a top hitting coach. However, Castellanos stated, “The only opinions that I honestly care about are from those who have carried the stick.” This sentiment was shared during his appearance on “On Base with Mookie Betts.”
Incidents and Conflicts
- Castellanos famously brought a beer into the dugout after being replaced defensively during a June game, leading to a confrontation with Thomson.
- He publicly acknowledged his frustrations in an Instagram letter, revealing the depth of their conflict.
- His position in the batting lineup, notably hitting seventh on Opening Day for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, also contributed to his displeasure.
Several players recognized the fallout, with one stating, “You can’t disrespect the manager and talk to him the way he did. You can’t expect it all to be the same after that.”
Future Prospects for Castellanos
Now a free agent, Castellanos posted a .694 OPS last season. The New York Yankees had shown interest in acquiring him prior to his release but received mixed feedback on his abilities. Teams are now free to negotiate with the veteran outfielder as he navigates the next steps of his career.
