Recent Phillies signing just unleashed a terrifying Pirates trade possibility

Other than having to watch him play for an in-state rival, Adolis Garcia's decision to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies doesn't have much tangible impact on the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Sure, it would have been nice to see the team bring in a two-time All-Star outfielder who hit more than 30 home runs per year between 2021-24, especially since he signed an eminently affordable one-year contract worth $10 million. Still, Garcia hasn't been at his best the past two years, and it's understandable why the Pirates didn't make a huge overture to sign a 32-year-old past his prime.

However, there is a snowball effect that could have serious ramifications for the Buccos. The Phillies' outfield is now crowded, with Garcia (in right field) joining starters Brandon Marsh (left field) and Justin Crawford (center field)... leaving no room for disgruntled veteran Nick Castellanos.

And while Castellanos ostensibly fits the Pirates' need for a power-hitting threat, it's clear the team should avoid adding him at all costs.

Pirates should avoid Nick Castellanos trade with Phillies, no matter what happens this offseason

Earlier in the offseason, the Pirates made waves by claiming that they'd add about $30 million to the payroll in 2026. Thus far, the only players they've added to the roster are Jhostynxon Garcia (league-minimum salary) via trade, Marco Luciano (league-minimum salary) via waivers, and Gregory Soto ($7.75 million) via free agency.

That leaves about $20 million in available payroll space, which Castellanos conveniently fits perfectly into. He's got just one year left on his deal as well, meaning he'd be a short-term rental for a team looking for offensive help anywhere it can get it.

But even beggars can be choosers under the right circumstances. Castellanos (-12 Outs Above Average in 2025) is a DH-only player at this point in his career, which isn't a huge deal considering the Pirates don't have anyone set to command at-bats at that spot, barring a reunion with Andrew McCutchen.

However, Castellanos' bat is simply unworthy of the designated hitter role at this point in his career. Sure, the 69 home runs he's hit over the past three seasons look tantalizing after the Pirates ranked dead last in the league in homers this year, but he posted a 90 wRC+ in 2025 while striking out 22.6% of the time.

In fact, Castellanos has barely been a league-average hitter in his time in Philadelphia (100 wRC+ exactly), and he's been worth just 0.7 fWAR over his four seasons there. That's hardly the kind of player worthy of a $20 million salary.

Castellanos will be on the trade block as the Phillies look to offload a superfluous player following their addition of Adolis Garcia. Hopefully, Ben Cherington will hang up the phone on any numbers coming from a Philadelphia area code.