2026 Transactions: Phillies Release Castellanos, Banda to Twins

Castellanos was with the Phillies for four seasons, from 2022 to 2025. His tenure was a bizarre one at times. The ex-Phillie dealt with defensive questions but remained a serious offensive threat in 2023 and 2024. However, Castellanos slashed just .250/.294/.400 (.694 OPS) with 17 home runs and 46 extra-base hits last season.

He was also benched last season, which was addressed by Castellanos on his Instagram account.

Per the New York Times, Castellanos was told not to report to Spring Training, months after the team signed Adolis Garcia to effectively replace him in right field.

Twins made reliever moves

The Twins finalized the signing of Liam Hendriks on February 12, as well as other moves to shore up the bullpen options for 2026.

Minnesota acquired Anthony Banda from the Dodgers. Banda, a two-time World Series champion and effective left-handed reliever, was DFA’d last week by Los Angeles. In a corresponding move, the Twins designated Jackson Kowar for assignment.

Additionally, the team signed Julian Merryweather to a Minor League deal.

Dodgers bring back Hernandez, extend Muncy

Longtime Dodger Max Muncy is sticking around for a bit more.

Muncy was given a one-year extension for the 2027 season, which will clock in at $7MM. He’ll also receive a $10MM club option for 2028.

Additionally, the Dodgers re-signed utilityman Enrique Hernandez to a one-year deal. Hernandez, recovering from offseason elbow surgery, was given $4.5MM for 2026.

Other moves

The Athletics and Royals swapped pitchers on February 12. Mitch Spence, who spent the past two seasons with the A’s, was shipped out to the Royals in a one-for-one trade.

In return, the A’s received reliever A.J. Causey. Causey, who doesn’t throw hard but mixes things up with a changeup and curveball to go with the sinker, was a big swing-and-miss pitcher in the Royals’ system last season, as noted in our farm review for the team.