The Yankees were in pursuit of a few right-handed bats this offseason, and they reportedly checked in with the Phillies on outfielder Nick Castellanos.

According to the NY Post's Jon Heyman, the Yankees looked into making a trade with the Phillies for Castellanos earlier in the offseason, but stopped their pursuit after receiving mixed reviews about the slugger.

New York would eventually re-sign Paul Goldschmidt to fill that right-handed bat role off the bench, while also periodically spelling Ben Rice at first base against left-handers and for late-game defense. New York had also considered signing Ty France, Randal Grichuk and Austin Slater, who played with the Yanks in 2025, as right-handed options this offseason.

As for Castellanos, the Phillies officially released him on Thursday for a few reasons. He had a subpar 2025 season where he slashed .250/.294/.400 with an OPS of .694 and 17 homers. There were also reports of conduct detrimental to the team, including bringing a beer into the Phillies dugout during a game last June, which Castellanos admitted to on Instagram.

Castellanos is owed $20 million in 2025.

After seven productive seasons with Detroit, Castellanos made stops in Chicago -- with the Cubs -- Cincinnati and eventually Philadelphia after signing a four-year deal before the 2022 season. He made two All-Star teams (2021, 2023) and won a Silver Slugger in his 13-year career.

Castellanos, who turns 34 in March, will now look to take his talents elsewhere.

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