Philadelphia Phillies Linked to Astros' Superstar Right Fielder in Trade Idea
In this story:
Entering last season, the Philadelphia Phillies knew they needed a better performance from Nick Castellanos after he had a dud during the first year of his $100 million contract he signed prior to joining the team in 2022.
The slugging right fielder delivered in 2023, slashing .272/.311/.476 with 29 home runs and 106 RBI, earning his second All-Star selection.
He carried the team during the first half of the season.
Castellanos was incredible against the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series, hitting four home runs in four games and having a ridiculous 1.796 OPS number.
However, the inconsistencies that have plagued the slugger throughout his career popped up in the next series when he recorded only one hit in 27 plate appearances against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The question for the Phillies is if they can rely on Castellanos when it matters most.
That's why a trade idea from Zachary Rotman of FanSided is interesting.
He has Philadelphia making a trade for Kyle Tucker of the Houston Astros if the two aren't able to reach a long-term extension.
"The Phillies are a team willing to spend big money on a player of Tucker's caliber, and they have prospects Houston might want next offseason," Rotman writes.
The Astros are looking to rebuild their farm system that is widely considered the worst in baseball. If they can't work out a deal with their superstar right fielder, then flipping him for assets would be a smart move.
Tucker wouldn't hit free agency until after the 2025 season, the same year Kyle Schwarber's contract comes off the Phillies' books, giving them more financial freedom to offer Tucker a large deal.
Castellanos is signed through 2026, so he could fill the designated hitter role and have Gold Glover take over his spot in right field.
It would be an ideal move for Philadelphia depending on who they would have to give up to get it done.
The Phillies are no strangers to having a poor farm system, something they've been trying to address.
They'd have to decided if depleting it once again to land an elite Major League talent would be worth it as they continue to chase their goal of winning a World Series championship.
