Phillies Trade Idea Sends Nick Castellanos to Blue Jays After Benching

If the Rafael Devers-Boston Red Sox stunner taught us anything, it's that any feud can lead to an unexpected trade.

Devers refused to switch positions and battled management, eventually leading to the Red Sox sending him to the San Francisco Giants for two pitchers and two prospects. We'll see whether or not the Philadelphia Phillies have a similar problem on their hands with All-Star right fielder Nick Castellanos.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson benched Castellanos on Tuesday, citing a negative comment the 33-year-old veteran made during Monday's 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins. Castellanos evidently disagreed with Thomson's decision to pull him in the eighth inning for defensive reasons.

Could Castellanos' benching, even if it's only for one night, eventually lead to a trade? The Blue Jays should be asking themselves that exact question, and they should be ready to pounce if the Phillies are willing to talk.

Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Castellanos has a season and a half remaining on the five-year, $100 million contract he signed after the 2020 season. He's admittedly been relatively average thus far, hitting .278 with seven home runs, 36 RBI, 17 doubles, and a .746 OPS.

Those numbers are all in line with last year's, though his bWAR has plummeted from 0.8 to -0.5.

However, Castellanos offers durability, and he'd undoubtedly be an upgrade in left field over rookie Alan Roden. Unfortunately for the Blue Jays, they're likely stuck with Anthony Santander and his .577 OPS at DH, given that he's in the first season of a five-year, $92.5 million contract.

Castellanos should come relatively cheap, and the Blue Jays are in an excellent position to make a playoff run. Toronto entered Tuesday at 38-33, holding the AL's second Wild Card berth and only four games out of first in the AL East.

As for the Phillies, ditching Castellanos could eventually pave the way for another outfield-related trade. Boston Red Sox star Jarren Duran has been linked to the Phillies in recent weeks, and Chicago White Sox veteran Luis Robert Jr. remains available.

The Devers-Red Sox feud arguably began with a position change. Might we eventually look back at a mid-game benching involving two NL East teams as the start of an eventual Blue Jays title run?