Nick Castellanos spoke with the media today for the first time since joining the Phillies.

The Castellanos signing was made official by the team yesterday, as the outfielder was inked to a 5-year, $100M contract. This deal put the Phillies over the luxury tax for the first time ever.

Nick Castellanos’ Opening Press Conference

“What was it about Philadelphia that made you want to come here?”

Castellanos said the fans are passionate and the organization cares about winning. He confirmed that Bryce Harper did help land him in Philadelphia. He’s also excited to play with Bryce again, after winning a gold medal together in 2009 in Venezuela. 

“I’d like to thank John Middleton for signing Castellanos, Bryce doesn’t call me four times a day anymore” – Scott Boras

Nick Castellanos’ agent Scott Boras made a joke about Bryce Harper, confirming that Harper played a huge role in landing Castellanos in Philly. He said he would receive calls daily from Bryce, and you do more listening than talking. “Bryce wants to win so bad, it’s obvious”

“If you’re playing well, they’re going to let you know. If you suck, they’re going to let you know. This is how I feed my family. I don’t have a college degree, I hit baseballs.”- Nick Castellanos

Castellanos was asked about the Phillies fanbase, and his answer was spot-on. He knows how passionate the fans of Philadelphia are, and he’s ready to go to work for the city of Philadelphia. 

Nick Castellanos is hungry to play in the playoffs and is ready to do whatever it takes

When asked about playing in the playoffs, Castellanos mentioned how he has over 1,000 games played in the MLB, but not one playoff win. He said he’s only been here one day, but he can already tell everyone is in it for the right reasons. 

Nick Castellanos was asked where he would be playing, and he had a top-tier teammate answer…”I have a Phillies hat on, wherever they need me.”

The Phillies will take on the Toronto Blue Jays today at 1:05. Schwarber will make his debut for the Phillies, hitting in the leadoff spot. Harper, Hoskins, JT, and others will all be in the lineup. Check out the game on NBCSP+.