Padres' Manny Machado praises team's Saturday signings

"I mean, talk about getting a $20 million player [Castellanos] for pennies on the dollar," Machado said, via reporter Marty Caswell. "I think that kind of deserves, deserves like extension for A.J. [Preller], you know, with, you know, payroll flexibility, and, you know, getting a $20 million player for nothing, you know, I think that's kind of a win, win for everybody here in this clubhouse."

Machado and Castellanos have known each other since they were kids growing up in Miami, Fla., which could make for an interesting pairing and help in the clubhouse. Castellanos had faced harsh criticism for his attitude and behavior while with the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Manny Machado’s relationship with Nick Castellanos could help get the most out of him

Known as the de facto leader of the Padres, Machado isn’t afraid to speak his mind and won’t allow what is being alleged against Castellanos (drinking a beer in the dugout) to fly. Having that relationship that spans back to their childhood brings with it a level of respect that should help the Padres succeed. 

Castellanos already received a warm welcome from Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill, saying he’s "excited to see Castellanos’s vibe."

"I mean, Nick [Castellanos] can be himself, and he can do whatever he wants in our clubhouse," Merrill said, via Caswell. "That's, that's his personal choice. I think what he did in the other clubhouse [Philadelphia] has nothing to do with us, and I don't think it's going to carry over either. I think he's going to come in here and we're all going to look at him as a new human being. You know, I don't really care or dive into the deep like what he did or over there, because I was the Phillies and won the San Diego Padres. So you know, I'm just happy to have him in a new clubhouse, see his vibe and see what he does to help us [the Padres]."

With a change of scenery, a welcoming environment and a familiar face in Machado, it’s not out of the question that Castellanos returns to being the All-Star and MVP candidate he once was.