Overview
- Castellanos signed a one-year deal at the MLB minimum with San Diego days after his release, with reports indicating the Yankees had explored a trade earlier in the offseason before backing off.
- At his Padres introduction, he apologized for bringing a beer into the dugout in Miami and said he let emotions get the best of him, vowing to handle frustrations sooner.
- He praised the Padres’ player support and first-year manager Craig Stammen’s big-league playing background, comments widely interpreted as a parting shot at Phillies manager Rob Thomson.
- The 33-year-old is coming off a down 2025 season (.250/.294/.400, 17 HR) and poor defensive marks (-12 OAA, -11 DRS), factors that led Philadelphia to tell him not to report to spring training and ultimately release him.
- San Diego plans to use him primarily as a designated hitter with some corner outfield and possible first-base work, giving the club a low-risk look at a rebound bat.