The Miami Marlins should consider signing Nick Castellanos after his release from the Phillies to add right-handed power to their lineup.
The Miami Marlins are still searching for a thump.
As spring training unfolds, president of baseball operations Peter Bendix has reshaped the pitching staff and leaned into youth across the diamond. But the one thing this lineup still lacks is obvious: proven right-handed power.
That’s why the Marlins should at least pick up the phone now that the Philadelphia Phillies have released Nick Castellanos.
On paper, it sounds messy. Castellanos is coming off a down year. His .694 OPS in 2025 ranked near the bottom among qualified hitters, and Philadelphia ultimately decided to eat $20 million to move on from the relationship. The split wasn’t just about performance; it was about fit, clubhouse tension, and a moment in Miami last summer that became symbolic of a marriage gone wrong.
But South Florida isn’t Philadelphia. And it doesn’t have to be.
Because the Phillies are paying the freight, Miami would likely only be responsible for the league minimum. For a team that has been selective with long-term commitments, that matters.
Castellanos still owns 250 career home runs. He’s a two-time All-Star. As recently as 2023, he produced an .800+ OPS season with 29 home runs. Players with that track record don’t just forget how to hit overnight.
More importantly, the Marlins need what he provides.
Clayton McCullough’s projected lineup skews young and left-handed. Kyle Stowers emerged, Christopher Morel brings versatility but swing-and-miss, and the club is hoping internal growth supplies the rest. But there is no established right-handed middle-of-the-order presence. Castellanos would instantly lengthen the lineup and offer protection for Miami’s developing bats.
He’s also expressed openness to playing first base or serving as a designated hitter. That flexibility matters. Miami doesn’t necessarily need another everyday corner outfielder, but it can absolutely use production at DH and first.
There’s another layer here: Castellanos is a South Florida native.
He once hoped to sign with Miami in free agency. It didn’t happen. The Marlins weren’t ready to spend then. Now, the circumstances are different. He wouldn’t arrive as a $100 million savior. He’d arrive as a veteran trying to rediscover joy in the game.
A smaller market. Lower pressure. Familiar surroundings. Family in the stands.
That environment could matter for a player who has openly admitted he plays best where he feels comfortable and inspired.
Yes, there’s risk. Yes, there were concerns about the clubhouse in Philadelphia. But the Marlins are building something new under McCullough. Adding a veteran who has experienced both October highs and public scrutiny could bring an edge -- if handled correctly.
Miami doesn’t need to bet the franchise. It just needs to make a smart, opportunistic move.
At the right price, this is one worth making.
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