MLB Insider Thinks Phillies Could Bring Back Hoskins and Trade Castellanos

The Philadelphia Phillies started the offseason with the first big move, bringing back Aaron Nola on a seven-year deal. After talks of Nola potentially moving on, he returns to the Phillies and gets paid like the top-of-the-line arm he is.

Philadelphia still has questions to answer.

Of those questions, thoughts about re-signing Rhys Hoskins in free agency and using Nick Castellanos as a trade piece comes up.

Dave Dombrowski made it seemingly clear that Bryce Harper will stay at first base and noted that Hoskins understood that side of the business. 

However, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com doesn't think it's a crazy idea for the Phillies to bring Hoskins and move Castellanos.

"The Phillies already brought back Aaron Nola on a seven-year, $172 million deal, taking care of one of their primary objectives for the offseason. Philadelphia has stated that Bryce Harper will remain at first base, but what if the Phillies traded Nick Castellanos and returned Harper to right field, opening the door for Hoskins’ return? Stranger things have happened," he wrote in his article.

If the Phillies have full confidence in Harper returning to the outfield and playing that position at an elite level, this could be their best option.

That might not be what Philadelphia or Harper wants to do, however. 

The 31-year-old Harper isn't getting any younger and just came off a major surgery. Putting him back in the outfield not only puts more stress on his arm, but potentially slows down his production due to exerting extra energy.

As far as Hoskins goes, it wouldn't be surprising to see him in different uniform next season after the Phillies have seemingly moved on.

Castellanos' disappointing playoff performances have been a main reason why his name has come up in trade discussions, but since he's under contract, there would have to be another suitor for him to not be in Philadelphia for 2024.