A controversial exit. A surprising new role. And a veteran slugger rediscovering the game he loves.
Nick Castellanos arrived in San Diego carrying questions — but early signs suggest the Padres may have uncovered an unexpected comeback story.

Nick Castellanos Finds New Life With Padres After Turbulent Phillies Exit

When the San Diego Padres signed Nick Castellanos, the reaction around baseball was filled with curiosity — and plenty of skepticism.

The 34-year-old slugger had just been released by the Philadelphia Phillies in February after reports of internal tensions with manager Rob Thomson and growing friction inside the clubhouse. For many observers, the move raised an obvious question:

What version of Castellanos were the Padres actually getting?

Was it a declining veteran nearing the end of his career?

Or a proven hitter hungry for a fresh start?

A few weeks into spring training in Arizona, the early answer seems clear: the Padres may have found a player who has rediscovered the joy of baseball.

Padres Did Their Homework Before Signing Him

Before bringing Castellanos to San Diego, the Padres front office conducted extensive background research.

President of baseball operations A.J. Preller, assistant general manager Josh Stein, and manager Craig Stammen held a detailed video call with the veteran slugger before finalizing the deal.

But the team didn’t rely only on that conversation.

Scouting reports and league sources consistently pointed to one trait that defined Castellanos throughout his 13-year career:

Relentless work ethic.

That reputation has already been confirmed during Padres spring training.

Coaches and teammates say Castellanos has been one of the most active players on the practice fields — often staying long after workouts to refine his skills and adjust to his new role.

Learning First Base at Age 34

Perhaps the biggest surprise of Castellanos’ spring is the position he’s learning.

For most of his career, Castellanos has been known primarily as a right fielder, playing the majority of his games there with the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and Philadelphia Phillies.

But the Padres are asking him to adapt.

In 2026, Castellanos is expected to split time at first base, likely forming a platoon with left-handed hitter Gavin Sheets.

He will also rotate into the designated hitter role and could occasionally return to the outfield when needed.

For many players, switching positions late in their career might feel like a burden.

For Castellanos, it has become an unexpected source of motivation.

“I’m just really having fun learning,” he said during camp.

“The whole process is enjoyable. It’s not something I feel like I have to do — it’s something I want to do.”

Observers at Padres camp say he has improved almost daily, refining the small but critical details of playing first base:

• Covering the bag
• Positioning on ground balls
• Executing throws to second base

The adjustments are part of a challenge he appears to be embracing fully.

Rediscovering His Love for the Game

Castellanos also spoke candidly about his time in Philadelphia — and how the emotional connection to the game sometimes faded.

“I would go through periods in Philly where it would feel like a job,” he admitted.

That didn’t mean he stopped working.

The veteran emphasized that he always respected his responsibilities as a professional athlete.

“I always respected the fact that I had a job and someone was paying me a lot of money,” he said. “So I showed up every day and worked hard.”

But something was missing.

The joy of the game sometimes became difficult to find.

Now, in San Diego, Castellanos says the atmosphere has changed that feeling.

“Here, I don’t really find it difficult to find the joy with the setup right now.”

For a player entering the later stage of his career, that renewed enthusiasm could prove just as important as any mechanical improvement.

Padres Monitoring Pitching Health

While Castellanos’ story has become a positive headline in camp, the Padres are also keeping a close eye on several key pitchers recovering from injuries.

Griffin Canning progressing carefully

Right-hander Griffin Canning recently threw around 24 pitches in a simulated game in Peoria, marking his second outing against hitters this spring.

During the session he allowed some hard contact — including a home run by minor-league hitter Romeo Sanabria — but the bigger focus was his recovery from Achilles surgery, which ended his 2025 season.

Padres officials are proceeding cautiously with his timeline.

Canning is not expected to join the rotation until May or later, depending on how his mobility around the mound develops.

“He’s beating the timeline right now,” manager Craig Stammen said.
“But we want to be careful. There’s no point rushing him and risking a setback.”

Jason Adam targeting Opening Day

Meanwhile, veteran reliever Jason Adam is attempting to be ready for Opening Day, though the Padres remain cautious.

His next major test will come during a Cactus League appearance on Tuesday, which could determine whether he has enough time to prepare for the regular season.

Other relievers in camp may pitch nine or ten spring games, while Adam may only appear in three or four before camp concludes.

That difference in workload could influence the team’s decision.

“Is that the best-case scenario for him to pitch Opening Day and then handle a full workload?” Stammen said. “We’ll evaluate that.”

Still, the Padres trust Adam’s experience and his communication about how his body feels.

Encouraging News for Sung-Mun Song

The Padres also received positive updates regarding infielder Sung-Mun Song, who had been dealing with an oblique injury.

Song resumed his hitting progression after resting Saturday, and the team hopes he can return to Cactus League games before spring training ends.

A Spring Full of New Beginnings

Spring training often brings uncertainty, but for the Padres it has also brought opportunity.

Pitchers are working back from injuries.

Roles across the roster are still being defined.

And one veteran slugger may be writing a new chapter in his career.

Nick Castellanos arrived in San Diego surrounded by questions and controversy.

But early in camp, he looks like a player determined to prove something simple:

Sometimes a fresh start is all a veteran needs to fall in love with baseball again.