The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to search for offensive help, as they attempt to take the next step in the National League Central. While their pitching is set and they’ve made other nice moves, more can be done.
The situation has kept the Pirates linked to potential upgrades, even if the team has done as much as it has in a very long time. According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, one player could be Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos.
“The Pirates still need hitting, right? And Castellanos still needs a new home. How about an in-state swap with the big-spending Phillies picking up most of the contract -- say $15 million of the $20 million owed to Castellanos in 2026. The Pirates don't even have to send anyone back in the deal. Just give them his money and watch Castellanos light up PNC Park, proving all the naysayers wrong,” Rogers wrote.
If the Phillies were willing to eat most of his contract, the Pirates could acquire a proven hitter without giving up many prospects, a deal that fits with how Pittsburgh has wanted to make trades over the past decade or so.
Castellanos brings postseason experience, hopefully veteran leadership and a right-handed bat that could fit in nicely with the other moves the team has made.
However, there are worries. Castellanos hasn’t been great offensively, and defensive issues remain part of his game, perhaps worse than any in baseball.
For Philadelphia, the idea would be financial flexibility rather than talent return, though it should expect to pay most of his salary. By paying down the contract, the Phillies could have some money left over to go out and make another move, even if it’s just for a bullpen arm.
The risk here is that Castellanos continues to struggle and complains throughout the year. On the flip side, if he wants to be one of the main pieces of an offense, he shouldn’t complain too much. Pittsburgh is better and has a chance to be good, but he should still be a big piece of what it is looking to become. If he’s OK with that, the Pirates make sense.