The Phillies $100 million star’s deal was once identified as a cornerstone move for the team; however, his situation has now soured into discontent. For a star who has led all MLB outfielders in starts since 2017, being placed in a part-time position has been a bitter pill to swallow. Rob Thomson ’s willingness to bench the star against most right-handers has created speculation that the team is preparing for life without him.

The data tell a blunt story. Last month, Nick Castellanos batted just .180 with two doubles, two homers, and a .590 OPS, and the star’s weakest healthy month since the rookie season in 2014. At the same time, trade-deadline deals with Harrison Bader and veteran Max Kepler have provided steadier bats and elite defense. Such a combination has pushed Thomson to min

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