Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nick Castellanos

How Nick Castellanos built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Nicholas Alexander Castellanos is a professional baseball player, currently playing right fielder for the Philadelphia Phillies in MLB. Throughout his career, he has played for several teams, including the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, and Cincinnati Reds, showcasing his talent and versatility across various MLB franchises.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1934: Mirrored Hank Greenberg's Record

For the 2019 season, Nick Castellanos joined Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg in 1934 as the only right-handed batters to ever hit 55 doubles and 25 home runs in the same season.

1937: Mirrored Joe Medwick's Record

For the 2019 season, Nick Castellanos joined Hall of Famer Joe Medwick in 1937 as the only right-handed batters to ever hit 55 doubles and 25 home runs in the same season.

1956: Mirrored Al Kaline's Record

In 2017, Nick Castellanos became the sixth player in Tigers history to record 10 or more triples, 25 or more home runs, and 100 or more RBIs in a season, and the first player to do so since Al Kaline in 1956.

2000: Most Doubles Since Todd Helton

During the 2019 season, Nick Castellanos' 58 doubles were the most by any player since Todd Helton's 59 doubles in 2000, earning him the nickname "Nicky Two Bags."

2008: Mirrored Miguel Cabrera's Record

In 2017, Nick Castellanos became the 10th player in Tigers history to drive in more than 100 runs at the age of 25 or younger, and the first player to do so since Miguel Cabrera in 2008.

2009: Pan American Junior Championships Gold Medal

In 2009, Nick Castellanos played for the United States national baseball team and won a gold medal at the Pan American Junior Championships, and was named to the All-Tournament team.

2009: Under Armour All-America Baseball Game MVP

In the 2009 Under Armour All-America Baseball Game, played at Wrigley Field, Nick Castellanos won Most Valuable Player honors.

August 15, 2010: Signed with Detroit Tigers

On August 15, 2010, Nick Castellanos signed with the Detroit Tigers for a $3.45 million signing bonus.

2010: Drafted by Detroit Tigers

In 2010, Nick Castellanos was drafted out of high school by the Detroit Tigers, becoming one of the top prospects in baseball.

2011: Tigers Minor League Player of the Year

In 2011, Nick Castellanos played for the West Michigan Whitecaps and was named the Tigers' minor league position player of the year.

2012: All-Star Futures Game MVP

In 2012, Nick Castellanos appeared in the All-Star Futures Game and was named its Most Valuable Player.

2012: Started Practicing Left Field

In 2012, Nick Castellanos began to take outfield practice in left field since he was blocked at third and first base.

September 1, 2013: MLB Debut with Tigers

On September 1, 2013, Nick Castellanos made his Major League Baseball debut with the Detroit Tigers.

2013: Traded Prince Fielder

After the 2013 season, the Tigers traded Prince Fielder.

2013: Toledo Mud Hens

In 2013, Nick Castellanos was optioned to the Toledo Mud Hens and batted .276 with 18 home runs and 76 RBIs. He also appeared in the Triple-A All-Star Game and was named to the International League's post-season All-Star team.

April 9, 2014: First MLB Home Run

On April 9, 2014, Nick Castellanos hit his first MLB home run off Josh Beckett of the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

2014: Starting Third Baseman

In 2014, Nick Castellanos was slated to be the starting third baseman for the Tigers.

July 22, 2015: First Career Grand Slam

On July 22, 2015, Nick Castellanos hit his first career grand slam off Mike Montgomery of the Seattle Mariners.

2015: First 5-Hit Game

On August 13, 2018, Nick Castellanos went 5-for-5 for his first career five-hit game. He became the first Tigers player with five hits in a game since Ian Kinsler in 2015.

January 13, 2017: Avoided Arbitration

On January 13, 2017, the Detroit Tigers avoided arbitration with Nick Castellanos, agreeing on a one-year contract worth $3 million.

July 18, 2017: Single, Triple, and Two Home Runs in a Game

On July 18, 2017, Nick Castellanos hit a single, triple and two home runs in a game against the Kansas City Royals.

2017: 100 RBIs, Position Change to Right Field

In 2017, Nick Castellanos recorded his 100th RBI of the season. With the acquisition of third baseman Jeimer Candelario and the departure of right fielder J. D. Martinez, Castellanos began playing games in right field.

January 17, 2018: Avoided Arbitration

On January 17, 2018, the Tigers avoided arbitration with Nick Castellanos, agreeing on a one-year contract worth $6.05 million.

January 11, 2019: Avoided Arbitration

On January 11, 2019, the Detroit Tigers avoided arbitration with Nick Castellanos, agreeing on a one-year contract worth $9.95 million.

July 31, 2019: Traded to the Chicago Cubs

On July 31, 2019, Nick Castellanos was traded by the Detroit Tigers to the Chicago Cubs.

2019: Traded to Chicago Cubs

In 2019, the Detroit Tigers traded Nick Castellanos to the Chicago Cubs.

January 27, 2020: Signed with Cincinnati Reds

On January 27, 2020, Nick Castellanos signed a four-year, $64 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

2020: Signed with Cincinnati Reds

Before the 2020 season, Nick Castellanos signed a four-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

2021: Opted Out of Contract

After the 2021 season, Nick Castellanos opted out of his contract and became a free agent.

2021: Earned First All-Star Selection and Career Highs

In 2021, Nick Castellanos earned his first All-Star selection. By the end of the 2021 season, he had career highs in batting average (.309) and home runs (34), with 100 runs batted in. His fielding percentage improved to .991 with only three errors, however his defensive stats were negative overall.

2021: All-Star, Silver Slugger, All-MLB Second Team

In 2021, Nick Castellanos was selected to play in the All-Star Game, won the Silver Slugger Award, and was named to the All-MLB Second Team.

March 22, 2022: Signed with Philadelphia Phillies

On March 22, 2022, Nick Castellanos signed a five-year, $100 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

2022: 2022 Season Performance and World Series Last Out

In 2022, Nick Castellanos had a batting average of .263/.305/.389 and swung at 57.0% of all pitches. He was the last out of the 2022 World Series, fouling out which resulted in the Houston Astros winning game 6 and clinching the series.

2023: Postseason Home Run Records and Series Loss

During the 2023 National League Division Series, Nick Castellanos hit two home runs apiece in Games 3 and 4, making him the first player in MLB history to achieve this in consecutive postseason games. In Game 1 of the 2023 National League Championship Series, he hit a home run, joining Reggie Jackson. However, he struggled with strikeouts and the Phillies lost to the Diamondbacks despite leading the series.

2024: Played All 162 Games for the Phillies

In 2024, Nick Castellanos played in all 162 games for the Phillies, achieving a batting line of .254/.311/.431 with 23 home runs, 86 RBIs, and six stolen bases.

2025: 2025 Season Performance

In 2025, Nick Castellanos played in 147 games for the Phillies, slashing .250/.294/.400 with 17 home runs, 72 RBIs, and four stolen bases.

2025: 250th Career Home Run

On September 19, 2025, Nick Castellanos hit his 250th career home run with a two-run homer in the eighth inning, marking the first time he had two or more RBIs in a game as a substitute player.