New York, March 19 (BUS): Free agent Nick Castellanos and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed a five-year $100 million contract, a person familiar with the negotiations said, according to the Associated Press.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity early Saturday because the deal was undergoing a successful physical operation.
This was the second big free agent event this week for the Phillies, who are strengthening their squad to compete with the Braves and Mets busy in the NL East. Kyle Schwarber on Wednesday agreed to a four-year, $80 million contract, a deal that also awaits a financial hit.
Castellanos hit 0.309 with 34 catches and 100 RBIs last season with the Cincinnati Reds, making them the first All-Star team and a Silver Slugger award.
Corner player, Castellanos joins NL MVP Bryce Harper in the middle of the Phillies lineup that also includes All-Star catcher JT Realmuto.
Harper pressured the team to bring in a big racket to help, recently saying it would be a “downside” if the Phillies didn’t sign Castellanos, Schwarber or Chris Bryant.
Turns out the only one of those three who didn’t tempt them was Bryant, who was introduced at the Colorado Rockies camp Friday after signing a $182 million, seven-year contract.
AOQ