Padres' Craig Stammen reveals Nick Castellanos' role in a crowded roster fight

The San Diego Padres have finally opened a cascading gate, one that was closed for seemingly the entire winter. But now that it's swung ajar, the team seems like they cannot stop signing players, whether to MLB or minor league deals.

One of those bigger signings was veteran Nick Castellanos following a tumultuous ending to his tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies. Part of the reason that Castellanos was not wanted back by Philly was not just because of his antics detrimental to the team. He is reaching a decline in production on both sides of the ball, but particularly on defense.

The Padres are well-aware of his poor defensive metrics, which are ranked among the worst in all of Major League Baseball. So if Castellanos can sniff out any time with the Friars this season, where would he be slated? His range and his glove aren't great, so playing first base isn't much of an option, especially with Ty France being added to the team this past week, too.

Nick Castellanos doesn't have much room room to fight for a starting spot in Padres' lineup

Castellanos' unfortunate future will lie in him being a designated hitter, whether he wants it or not. It also seems like he may get some burn in the outfield on days when one of Ramon Laureano, Jackson Merrill, or Fernando Tatis Jr. need a day off their feet. But that is likely his limit.

Castellanos, who will turn 34 years old before Opening Day, produced a .694 OPS last season, which was less-than-ideal from the two-time All-Star. However, he still found a way to rip 46 extra-base hits in 2025, which would have been the fourth-most on the Padres last season (Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Gavin Sheets).

So, though his overall numbers weren't star-level a year ago, there is an argument that Castellanos needs to be in the lineup. Unfortunately there are a few too many good bats already on staff who can field better than Castellanos. He'll probably need to produce more as a DH, which would then force the Padres to consistently find ways to keep him in the lineup. This is his new reality, but the Padres could strike gold if Castellanos returns to form.