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Nick Castellanos Describes Phillies Revamped Team Identity
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Phillies have started the 2025 season off strong, winning seven of their first nine games. They're looking every bit like the serious contender they've been each of the last three seasons.

But there's also a different feeling in the locker room. The easygoing nature players have previously expressed is dialed down. The 'daycare' has been closed, and the pressure to win now is sky high.

Right fielder Nick Castellanos - while wearing the team's new "Win a Ring" shirt - echoed those sentiments after Sunday's rubber match win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"I know that we have a team that is not going to roll over for anybody," Castellanos told Sports Radio WIP's Devan Kaney. "I know that we also have the environment where it's the next man up. So, if somebody goes down, or if somebody's getting a day off, the next guy can come in and produce just fine."

"We want to be good. We want to show people that we're a good team, and I think this weekend we did a good job of that."

Casty's comments likely reference the club's sudden exit from the playoffs last year, when the New York Mets defeated them three games to one in the NLDS. 

With the Mets adding Juan Soto to their lineup, the Atlanta Braves returning to health this year, and the Dodgers continuing to spare no expense in free agency, many questioned if Philly's contending window was already slamming shut.

In their eyes, it certainly hasn't yet.

Castellanos also noted the team's depth, which helped out in a big way early on. Edmundo Sosa has been the club's best hitter while serving as a utility man, appearing at second base, shortstop, third base, and center field. 

Nick himself previously said that Sosa would be a starter for other ballclubs, and given how often he's slid into games for Philly, that statement seems increasingly accurate.

Taijuan Walker also made a great spot start for the injured Ranger Suárez on Thursday, and backup catcher Rafael Marchán reached base four times in Sunday's win. Part of Philadelphia's problem in previous years has been the depth not producing when called upon, so all of this is a good sign for the team.

What ultimately matters is playing this cohesively in October. Casty and the rest of the Phils' core are well aware that this could be their last push together, and they're determined to finish the fight this time.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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