It’s time to shake things up with Padres inconsistent bench

TL;DR

San Diego Padres' Nick Castellanos is struggling with a .164 batting average and may need to be designated for assignment. The team must consider upgrading their bench as the trade deadline approaches.

Key points

Nick Castellanos is struggling with a .164 batting average
His strikeout rate is at 26.2%, the highest of his career
The Padres may need to designate him for assignment
The team needs to upgrade their bench before the trade deadline
Castellanos has not delivered the expected power

San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres DH/1B Nick Castellanos (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images San Diego Padres Nick Castellanos has been trying to dig himself out of a slow start to the 2026 season. He is hitting .164/.215/.279 with one home run and nine RBI over 62 at-bats. His statistical numbers do not offer much confidence that Castellanos can get out of this slump. The Friar Faithful envisioned him as a lethal righty bat from the DH/1B position in the lineup. But that has not developed in the season’s first month. At 34, it may be time to question if Castellanos will ever be a serviceable run-producer again. The Padres’ next move should be to designate him for assignment (DFA), so he can catch on with another ballclub. It would allow the Friars to replace him with a better option on the roster.

Castellanos failing to adapt to bench role

Castellanos’ struggles at the plate have mirrored some of his teammates for the first month. He has failed to make consistent contact, as his strikeout rate is at 26.2%, the highest of his career. Castellanos has only five extra-base hits this season. View Link All the blame cannot be placed on him, as the Friars have not given Castellanos the playing time needed to find his stroke. Throughout his 14-year major career, the right-handed slugger has averaged 130 games a season. The lack of playing time has adversely affected his offensive production. His glove does not merit more starts, and the Padres cannot wait for Castellanos to figure it out offensively. Unfortunately, walking back to the dugout after an at-bat has been the pattern all season.

What is next?

Q&A

What are Nick Castellanos' current statistics for the 2026 season?

Nick Castellanos is hitting .164 with one home run and nine RBI over 62 at-bats in the 2026 season.

Why should the Padres consider designating Nick Castellanos for assignment?

The Padres may consider designating Castellanos for assignment to replace him with a more effective player, as his performance has not met expectations.

What changes do the Padres need to make to their bench before the trade deadline?

The Padres need to acquire a proven bat for their bench, potentially sacrificing versatility to improve their offensive production as the trade deadline approaches.