Hypothetically: Phillies Trade

[vegascardsfan5890]

Phillies signed Adolis Garcia and are really trying to trade Castellanos

Would you do a straight up Arenado for Castellanos deal?

Castellanos has 1 year, $20 mil left on his contract. So essentially cards would be saving a little money in the deal.

Would the phillies do it? Thats a whole other question. But Bohm may be on the block as well so maybe they want a defensive only 3rd baseman.

[scoutyjones2]

No.

He's garbage.

Negative WAR

88 OPS+

That would be horrendously stupid.

[ICCFIM2]

Phillies signed Adolis Garcia and are really trying to trade Castellanos

Would you do a straight up Arenado for Castellanos deal?

Castellanos has 1 year, $20 mil left on his contract. So essentially cards would be saving a little money in the deal.

Would the phillies do it? Thats a whole other question. But Bohm may be on the block as well so maybe they want a defensive only 3rd baseman.

Castellanos BTV is -20 and Arenado is -15 Bohm is 7.1.

I think Bloom is trying to be strategic and not end up in the squishy middle. If the Cards traded Arenado for both Castellanos and Bohm, it would mean a strategic change. It would suggest keeping Donovan and trying to make the playoffs in 2026. I can't see them doing that. I also can't really see the Phillies interested in that trade either.

I asked Gould in his chat today about the Brewers strategy of having a line-up full of 750-800 OPS hitters like the Brewers have. As he pointed out, it gets them into the playoffs only to be immediately eliminated. And the Brewers have a fantastic starting rotation. Assuming a Contreras trade and the trade above, the line-up could look like this.

Donovan LF 775
Wetherholdt 2B 800?
Herrera C 850
Burleson 1B 800
Bohm 3B 750
Winn SS 675
Walker RF 650
Gorman DH 650
Scott CF 600

That line-up is better than last years line-up, but probably not good enough for the playoffs (Not looking at pitching yet) without significant improvement from Walker, Winn, Gorman and Scott. It also leaves the Cards in the situation that Bohm would need to be extended if you want to keep him as well and or Donovan.

So no, the Cards should not go this way. It is a way back to the squishy middle...

[mattmitchl44]

It wouldn't accomplish anything.

The point should be to eat part of Arenado's contract in order to get prospects back, not just moving his contract to save money.

[ecleme22]

It wouldn't accomplish anything.

The point should be to eat part of Arenado's contract in order to get prospects back, not just moving his contract to save money.

It would actually accomplish several things. Keep in mind Arenado's OPS last year and also the 2 years left on his deal. Any trade of him would have to be a little creative. Let's stop acting like we can just throw money a team's way in a similar way we did with Gray and get two decent arms. Arenado trade is more like "eat 40% of his contract, and we'll give you maybe the next Yepez..."

What the trade for Castellanos does:
1. Saves money.
2. Removes a year of burden (NC only has one year left). Now what does that do? In a bounce back first half, it makes him flippable. If Nolan has a bounceback first half, it would have to be SO GOOD, that a team is willing to take on his contract for 1 1/2 more years. All NC has to do is show enough life for a two month rental.
3. As I stated in #2, NC, even with a modest bounceback in 2026, would be more easily flippable. AND, flippable for a better prospect than would you can get Arenado for now, most likely.

[Jatalk]

It wouldn't accomplish anything.

The point should be to eat part of Arenado's contract in order to get prospects back, not just moving his contract to save money.

It would actually accomplish several things. Keep in mind Arenado's OPS last year and also the 2 years left on his deal. Any trade of him would have to be a little creative. Let's stop acting like we can just throw money a team's way in a similar way we did with Gray and get two decent arms. Arenado trade is more like "eat 40% of his contract, and we'll give you maybe the next Yepez..."

What the trade for Castellanos does:
1. Saves money.
2. Removes a year of burden (NC only has one year left). Now what does that do? In a bounce back first half, it makes him flippable. If Nolan has a bounceback first half, it would have to be SO GOOD, that a team is willing to take on his contract for 1 1/2 more years. All NC has to do is show enough life for a two month rental.
3. As I stated in #2, NC, even with a modest bounceback in 2026, would be more easily flippable. AND, flippable for a better prospect than would you can get Arenado for now, most likely.

You make the most sense. Moving Arenado as cheap as possible is the goal.

[Hoosier59]

Arenado straight up for Castellanos has some merit, if the Phillies would do it. I don’t like the guy, but he would be the right handed bat they need. The Cardinals could DH him a lot and as you say, if he is hitting decently, move him at the trade deadline to contending team.
In order to move Arenado, I think Bloom is going to have to be creative and not just look to make it a money saving deal.
The Phillies could then move Bohm in a separate deal.

[mattmitchl44]

It wouldn't accomplish anything.

The point should be to eat part of Arenado's contract in order to get prospects back, not just moving his contract to save money.

It would actually accomplish several things. Keep in mind Arenado's OPS last year and also the 2 years left on his deal. Any trade of him would have to be a little creative. Let's stop acting like we can just throw money a team's way in a similar way we did with Gray and get two decent arms. Arenado trade is more like "eat 40% of his contract, and we'll give you maybe the next Yepez..."

What the trade for Castellanos does:
1. Saves money.
2. Removes a year of burden (NC only has one year left). Now what does that do? In a bounce back first half, it makes him flippable. If Nolan has a bounceback first half, it would have to be SO GOOD, that a team is willing to take on his contract for 1 1/2 more years. All NC has to do is show enough life for a two month rental.
3. As I stated in #2, NC, even with a modest bounceback in 2026, would be more easily flippable. AND, flippable for a better prospect than would you can get Arenado for now, most likely.

I would not bet on Castellanos bouncing back. Since he provides zero floor because of his lack of defensive value (unlike Arenado), his bat has to be really good to have any meaningful value. And it really hasn't for at least three of the last four years already.

With his defense, Arenado at least has value if if he can even bounce back to 2024 levels.

[ecleme22]

It wouldn't accomplish anything.

The point should be to eat part of Arenado's contract in order to get prospects back, not just moving his contract to save money.

It would actually accomplish several things. Keep in mind Arenado's OPS last year and also the 2 years left on his deal. Any trade of him would have to be a little creative. Let's stop acting like we can just throw money a team's way in a similar way we did with Gray and get two decent arms. Arenado trade is more like "eat 40% of his contract, and we'll give you maybe the next Yepez..."

What the trade for Castellanos does:
1. Saves money.
2. Removes a year of burden (NC only has one year left). Now what does that do? In a bounce back first half, it makes him flippable. If Nolan has a bounceback first half, it would have to be SO GOOD, that a team is willing to take on his contract for 1 1/2 more years. All NC has to do is show enough life for a two month rental.
3. As I stated in #2, NC, even with a modest bounceback in 2026, would be more easily flippable. AND, flippable for a better prospect than would you can get Arenado for now, most likely.

I would not bet on Castellanos bouncing back. Since he provides zero floor because of his lack of defensive value (unlike Arenado), his bat has to be really good to have any meaningful value. And it really hasn't for at least three of the last four years already.

With his defense, Arenado at least has value if if he can even bounce back to 2024 levels.

And if NC bounces back to 2024 levels, he has value.

Actually, NC bounces back to 2025 first half levels (.751 ops, 12 HR and 22 doubles) he is very flippable….

[rockondlouie]

Phillies signed Adolis Garcia and are really trying to trade Castellanos

Would you do a straight up Arenado for Castellanos deal?

Castellanos has 1 year, $20 mil left on his contract. So essentially cards would be saving a little money in the deal.

Would the phillies do it? Thats a whole other question. But Bohm may be on the block as well so maybe they want a defensive only 3rd baseman.

ONLY

If the Phillies assumed ALL of NADO's remaining contract resulting in a net $20+M in payroll savings.

[Cusecards]

Probably for the best to stay away from Castellanos and keep thinking “younger”.
On a personal note...which has no bearing on the question....I’ve always thought Castellanos was a [ablution]!

[Melville]

Arenado straight up for Castellanos has some merit, if the Phillies would do it. I don’t like the guy, but he would be the right handed bat they need. The Cardinals could DH him a lot and as you say, if he is hitting decently, move him at the trade deadline to contending team.
In order to move Arenado, I think Bloom is going to have to be creative and not just look to make it a money saving deal.
The Phillies could then move Bohm in a separate deal.

Agreed.
STL will be required to eat 20M to get rid of N/A one way or the other.
If this would be a straight 1:1 swap with each team accepting the full contract of the acquired player, there really is no downside for STL.
Removes N/A quickly, which is a benefit.
And perhaps Castellanos could be flipped before the end of ST.
Would it accomplish much?
Not really.
But it would solve one pressing problem.

[sikeston bulldog2]

Arenado straight up for Castellanos has some merit, if the Phillies would do it. I don’t like the guy, but he would be the right handed bat they need. The Cardinals could DH him a lot and as you say, if he is hitting decently, move him at the trade deadline to contending team.
In order to move Arenado, I think Bloom is going to have to be creative and not just look to make it a money saving deal.
The Phillies could then move Bohm in a separate deal.

Agreed.
STL will be required to eat 20M to get rid of N/A one way or the other.
If this would be a straight 1:1 swap with each team accepting the full contract of the acquired player, there really is no downside for STL.
Removes N/A quickly, which is a benefit.
And perhaps Castellanos could be flipped before the end of ST.
Would it accomplish much?
Not really.
But it would solve one pressing problem.

Or. I could not do the deal. Then perhaps flip Arenado.

[mattmitchl44]

It wouldn't accomplish anything.

The point should be to eat part of Arenado's contract in order to get prospects back, not just moving his contract to save money.

It would actually accomplish several things. Keep in mind Arenado's OPS last year and also the 2 years left on his deal. Any trade of him would have to be a little creative. Let's stop acting like we can just throw money a team's way in a similar way we did with Gray and get two decent arms. Arenado trade is more like "eat 40% of his contract, and we'll give you maybe the next Yepez..."

What the trade for Castellanos does:
1. Saves money.
2. Removes a year of burden (NC only has one year left). Now what does that do? In a bounce back first half, it makes him flippable. If Nolan has a bounceback first half, it would have to be SO GOOD, that a team is willing to take on his contract for 1 1/2 more years. All NC has to do is show enough life for a two month rental.
3. As I stated in #2, NC, even with a modest bounceback in 2026, would be more easily flippable. AND, flippable for a better prospect than would you can get Arenado for now, most likely.

I would not bet on Castellanos bouncing back. Since he provides zero floor because of his lack of defensive value (unlike Arenado), his bat has to be really good to have any meaningful value. And it really hasn't for at least three of the last four years already.

With his defense, Arenado at least has value if if he can even bounce back to 2024 levels.

And if NC bounces back to 2024 levels, he has value.

Actually, NC bounces back to 2025 first half levels (.751 ops, 12 HR and 22 doubles) he is very flippable….

I would also note that Castellanos' production over the past three seasons has been buoyed by his production at home in a park that is more hitter friendly in particular for HRs.

Last three seasons, wRC+

Home - 137, 111, 105
Road - 80, 97, 73

So it should be even more unlikely to expect to see a bounce back by relocating him to a very pitcher friendly park.

[ecleme22]

It wouldn't accomplish anything.

The point should be to eat part of Arenado's contract in order to get prospects back, not just moving his contract to save money.

It would actually accomplish several things. Keep in mind Arenado's OPS last year and also the 2 years left on his deal. Any trade of him would have to be a little creative. Let's stop acting like we can just throw money a team's way in a similar way we did with Gray and get two decent arms. Arenado trade is more like "eat 40% of his contract, and we'll give you maybe the next Yepez..."

What the trade for Castellanos does:
1. Saves money.
2. Removes a year of burden (NC only has one year left). Now what does that do? In a bounce back first half, it makes him flippable. If Nolan has a bounceback first half, it would have to be SO GOOD, that a team is willing to take on his contract for 1 1/2 more years. All NC has to do is show enough life for a two month rental.
3. As I stated in #2, NC, even with a modest bounceback in 2026, would be more easily flippable. AND, flippable for a better prospect than would you can get Arenado for now, most likely.

I would not bet on Castellanos bouncing back. Since he provides zero floor because of his lack of defensive value (unlike Arenado), his bat has to be really good to have any meaningful value. And it really hasn't for at least three of the last four years already.

With his defense, Arenado at least has value if if he can even bounce back to 2024 levels.

And if NC bounces back to 2024 levels, he has value.

Actually, NC bounces back to 2025 first half levels (.751 ops, 12 HR and 22 doubles) he is very flippable….

I would also note that Castellanos' production over the past three seasons has been buoyed by his production at home in a park that is more hitter friendly in particular for HRs.

Last three seasons, wRC+

Home - 137, 111, 105
Road - 80, 97, 73

So it should be even more unlikely to expect to see a bounce back by relocating him to a very pitcher friendly park.

That's fine: NC is more of a doubles hitter anyway.

Also, he was having a good 2025 until he had a falling out with manager Rob Thomson.

[Cardinals4Life]

It wouldn't accomplish anything.

The point should be to eat part of Arenado's contract in order to get prospects back, not just moving his contract to save money.

Wouldn't a Castellanos for Arenado trade also open up 3B? And save money for next year?