MLB Rumors: Phillies In "Serious Pursuit" Of Slugger; Deal Appears Close

Just two days after signing Kyle Schwarber, the Philadelphia Phillies appear to be on the verge of adding another big-time power bat to the lineup. 

#Phillies and free agent Nick Castellanos "progressing" in talks on a contract, source confirms. Credit to @jaysonst for reporting on the Phillies' "serious pursuit" of Castellanos earlier this morning. @MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) March 18, 2022

As noted by The Athletic's Jayson Stark, if the Phillies do land Castellanos, it would push Schwarber to pretty much full-time DH duties. But after paying $79M for Schwarber, tossing in an expected 9-figure contract for Castellanos would surely push the Phillies over the luxury tax thresholds. 

Confirming @jaysonst report. Phillies are on Nick Castellanos. Phillies owner John Middleton has consistently said team would go over tax for right opportunity. This might be it. Stay tuned

— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) March 18, 2022

Phillies owner Jim Salisbury, according to insider Jim Salisbury, has "consistently said the team would go over tax for right opportunity. This might be it."

As noted by Marlins beat reporter Barry Jackson, the Miami Marlins, who had hoped to land the Miami-born Castellanos, Scott Boras doesn't typically "take big hometown discounts."

Boras clients don't typically take big hometown discounts. For right price (to them)&limited years, Marlins still have interest in Davie native Castellanos (even post Jeter), it was reiterated to me.But 5 years for triple figures?That's not what any Marlins owners do post Stanton

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) March 18, 2022

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