The Philadelphia Phillies open spring training tomorrow against the defending American League champion Toronto Blue Jays, at 1:07 ET. It’ll be an auspicious start to say the least: The squad has been embroiled in headlines this past week as star Bryce Harper made a media tour to discuss comments made by GM Dave Dombrowski, and the Nick Castellanos saga finally reached its conclusion. We also received word that Harper is attempting to recruit an old teammate back to the Phillies for the 2026 season. It wouldn’t be Phillies baseball without a little controversy! Here’s a recap of all the Phillies news that happened this week and a primer for a weekend of baseball!
Goodbye, Nick Castellanos!
Good or bad news? The Castellanos saga has officially come to an end with his release on Monday and subsequent signing with the San Diego Padres. He’s taking on first base and designated hitter in San Diego, and has already flashed the leather:
You’re probably wondering where this was last season, as am I. Jokes aside, hopefully, Castellanos has a bounce-back season (but not too bounce-backey) and doesn’t negatively impact Philly’s title odds, as we’re paying him 20 million to play for another National League contender. I think most fans will remember his contributions fondly, and specifically his playoff ones:
The homer off of Spencer Strider still gives me chills. Unfortunately, the manner with which this divorce came about is the same as his playstyle: loud, brash, and unapologetic. It’s been widely reported and admitted by Castellanos himself that on June 16, 2025, a beer was brought into the dugout.
This was a matchup against the Miami Marlins, if you don’t recall. Manager Rob Thomson substituted Castellanos for a defensive replacement late in the game, which Castellanos disagreed with, due to the presence of an immense number of friends and family. He decided to retaliate with the beer, which created animosity for the remainder of the season. The team attempted to sweep it under the rug, but with last week’s divorce, it has officially come to light. Not great! Castellanos’s side of the story, as well as his goodbye, is down below:
Goodbye “elite” Bryce Harper?
You’ve probably seen clips of the media tour Harper has been on the last week, with the All-Star first baseman appearing on pods like “Bussin with the Boys” featuring Taylor Lewan and Will Compton. I watched the podcast so you wouldn’t have to, and nothing major happens until:
Again, not good! Harper has clearly taken the offseason comments made by Dombroski somewhat personally. He followed these comments up by giving Dombroski suggestions as to how to run the team:
Could Rhys Hoskins be on his way back to the Phillies? It’s highly unlikely. As reported, Dombrowski turned down the potential reunion. Another issue is fit: Hoskins is a first baseman/ DH. First Base is occupied by Harper, DH by Kyle Schwarber. There’s nowhere for either player to go if Hoskins is added.
Players to watch this weekend:
Justin Crawford:
Justin Crawford profiles as the everyday Center Fielder for the ball club in 2026 and will make his spring training debut this weekend. According to MLB Pipeline, Crawford is their number 53 prospect headed into 2026. His profile is interesting; he has elite speed, good defensive metrics, and thrives at getting on base. One metric to watch: Crawford’s ground ball rate (it was abnormally high, 69% in Triple A).
Aidan Miller:
Aidan Miller will most likely not start the 2026 season with the major league club, but make no mistake, he is the team’s future star infielder. Currently, the number 22 prospect according to MLB pipeline, he profiles as a major upgrade at third base in 2027, if he reaches his potential. If his locker location is an indication of what’s to come, the future is bright for this young man.
ABS System: Teams are officially allowed to challenge the home plate umpire’s calls! The Phillies will get to test drive the system for the first time. It will be absolutely fascinating to see who uses it the most. My money is on Trea Turner!
