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 field and third base for the Philadelphia Phillies in MLB. He has previously played for the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, and Cincinnati Reds. He is known for his hitting ability.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 15, 2010: Signed with Detroit Tigers

On August 15, 2010, Nick Castellanos signed with the Detroit Tigers, receiving a $3.45 million signing bonus, the highest bonus at that point ever given to a player taken after the first round.

2010: Drafted by Detroit Tigers

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

2011: West Michigan Whitecaps

In 2011, Nick Castellanos played for the West Michigan Whitecaps of the Class-A Midwest League, batting .312 with seven home runs and 76 RBIs, leading the Midwest League with 158 hits and being named the Tigers' minor league position player of the year.

2012: Outfield Practice

In 2012, Nick Castellanos began to take outfield practice in left field.

September 1, 2013: MLB Debut

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

2013: Prince Fielder Traded

After the 2013 season, the Tigers traded Prince Fielder.

2013: Toledo Mud Hens

In 2013, Nick Castellanos was optioned to the Toledo Mud Hens of the Class AAA International League, batting .276 with 18 home runs and 76 RBIs. He 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

For the 2014 season, Nick Castellanos was named the starting third baseman for the Detroit 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 Player With Five Hits

On August 13, Nick Castellanos went 5-for-5 with five RBIs, 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 with Tigers

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

July 18, 2017: Single, Triple and Two Home Runs

On July 18, 2017, Nick Castellanos hit a single, triple and two home runs in a game against the Kansas City Royals, becoming the fourth Tigers player to do so since 1913, and the first Tigers player to do so since Dmitri Young in 2003.

2017: Career Highs and Defensive Struggles

In 2017, Nick Castellanos finished with a .272 batting average, setting career highs in doubles (36), triples (10), home runs (26) and RBIs (101). His 10 triples led the American League. However, he struggled defensively, leading all third basemen with 18 errors and a league-worst .939 fielding percentage.

2017: Second 100-RBI Season

In 2017, Nick Castellanos had his second career 100-RBI season.

January 17, 2018: Avoided Arbitration with Tigers

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

January 11, 2019: Avoided Arbitration with Tigers

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

July 31, 2019: Traded to Chicago Cubs

On July 31, 2019, Nick Castellanos was traded to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Alex Lange and Paul Richan.

2019: Traded to Chicago Cubs

In 2019, Nick Castellanos was traded from the Detroit Tigers 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. The contract included an opt-out clause.

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

In 2021, Castellanos opted out of his contract, becoming a free agent.

2021: First All-Star Selection and Career Highs

In 2021, Nick Castellanos earned his first All-Star selection and achieved career highs in batting average (.309) and home runs (34), driving in 100 runs. Defensively, he improved his fielding percentage to .991 with only three errors, but had negative defensive runs saved and ultimate zone rating.

March 22, 2022: Signed with the Philadelphia Phillies

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

2022: Season Performance and World Series Last Out

In 2022, Castellanos batted .263/.305/.389 and had the highest percentage of swings at all pitches in the major league. He was the last out of the 2022 World Series.

2023: Home Run Records in NLDS and NLCS

During the 2023 National League Division Series, Castellanos became the first player in MLB history to hit multiple home runs in consecutive postseason games. In Game 1 of the 2023 National League Championship Series, he joined Reggie Jackson as the only players to hit five home runs in a three-game span.

2024: Played All 162 Games for Phillies

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