On Thursday, February 12, the team announced that right fielder Nick Castellanos was no longer with the organization. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski suggested the separation was likely beneficial for both sides, noting that a fresh start seemed appropriate.
Following the announcement, the 33-year-old outfielder shared a post on social media that included a series of photos, four of which featured a handwritten letter. In the message, Castellanos explained his perspective on recent events and expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career. He thanked Dombrowski for the opportunity and acknowledged the coaching and support staff for their preparation efforts. He also expressed appreciation for his teammates, calling his time playing alongside them a lasting memory, while thanking fans for their support over the past four seasons, regardless of whether they cheered or criticized him.
In the letter, Castellanos addressed what he referred to as the “Miami incident.” He claimed he decided to speak out after learning that an article about the situation was set to be published without his input. Castellanos admitted he violated team rules after being ejected from a tightly contested game attended by his friends and family. He acknowledged bringing beer into the dugout and sitting beside manager Rob Thomson, where he voiced frustrations about what he described as inconsistent standards within the team environment.
According to Castellanos, teammates quickly removed the drink before he could consume it, which he said he appreciated. He also stated that after the game, he met with Dombrowski and Thomson, where they discussed the situation, and he ultimately apologized for letting his emotions influence his actions. Castellanos added that he was prepared to explain the incident publicly the following day but was instructed by team management not to do so.
He later revealed that he was benched for the next game as a disciplinary measure. Dombrowski later commented that the decision to move on from Castellanos was not solely based on a single event but rather reflected broader circumstances that sometimes arise during long-term working relationships.
The team’s decision came after attempts to trade Castellanos before the Phillies’ first full-squad spring training workout on February 16 ultimately fell through.
