OK, now that it’s definitely, maybe, definite that Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos is off the trade market, that’s that, but it still leaves Philadelphia fans with anxiety about a couple of things. As this is typed, neither has free agent Aaron Nola left the Fightin’s, nor has free agent Rhys Hoskins been signed by another team.
So, the current Phillies fan obsessions remain after … two weeks. What will the Phillies do to finally win that World Series? It begins in merely 200-some games, some in training, etc., intersquad, etc.
Major League Baseball depends on discussion about such matters kept intentionally vague in the offseason. This vagueness also feeds other companies attached to the sport, in real monetary terms. Sometimes, even, a writer sort of jumps the gun, as one did in Philly, indicating in quotes November 13 that Nola had signed with the Braves.
Philadelphia Phillies fans were in a lather over that social media post
You can see the replies here. I don't think anyone explained the quotes.
To join the discussion, no one believes Castellanos isn’t threatened with having to sell his house. I dislike this fact. I want this guy in my neighborhood. The writer whose headline termed the “Phillies Best Trade Piece No Longer Available,” however, made sure to include the declaration, “The bottom line is Castellanos is Philadelphia's best trade piece this offseason” near the end of the piece.
This discussion will continue.
To recap: Hoskins may be joining the Cubs, or not. The Braves are considered a real threat to put Aaron Nola in the Tomahawk Chop threads of the twice-humiliated division rivals in Atlanta.
The real issue is, assuming Atlanta will show Nola the money, as follows right here. Can Tyler Glasnow be signed, be cool, and not recreate Castellanos’ awkward move to Philly in 2022 or Trea Turner’s in ’23? Can he be the replacement for Nola’s strength as ace-backup to Zack Wheeler?
ESPN’s Buster Olney was on Phillies talk radio on November 14 touting Glasnow for that role, and very much making it sound as though Glasnow was more interesting than and the pitching equal of Nola.
I disagree, but can be persuaded. The injury-prone Glasnow throws hard. He’s big. Apparently, he’s a bit weird, like Castellanos.
What could go wrong?