The Philadelphia Phillies have arguably the most complete roster in baseball, but a key piece of their lineup might be gone next year.
As Philadelphia vies for the franchise's third World Series title this fall, it will rely on X-factor Nick Castellanos to produce at the plate in support of superstar bats like Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm.
Castellanos revving up his slash rate in the fall would be a shining mark on his season, especially as it could be his last in Philadelphia.
The 32-year-old outfielder is in the third year of his five-year, $100 million contract with the Phillies, but a new report indicates that Philadelphia could be trading Castellanos next year.
In an article that listed the one player from each Major League team most likely to be traded next season, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer chose Castellanos from the Phillies.
"Remember when Castellanos appeared on the rumor mill last winter?" Rymer said. "It was early on, and the moment proved to be fleeting."
"Yet it wouldn't be surprising if history repeated itself this winter. And as opposed to three years and $60 million, he will only have two years and $40 million left on his deal. It's that much less for a team to absorb...or the Phillies to eat."
Castellanos, a two-time All-Star, is hitting .245/ .298/ .414 this year with 15 home runs in 473 plate appearances for Philadelphia.
Will the Phillies have already sold him by next August?
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