Before Philadelphia Phillies officially cut ties with Nick Castellanos, the veteran slugger had already failed to gain traction elsewhere, including in the Bronx.

According to MLB Insider Jon Heyman, the New York Yankees quietly explored a potential trade for Castellanos as they searched for right-handed offense. But internal evaluations reportedly came back mixed, leading New York to back off any serious pursuit.

Those concerns went beyond Castellanos’ declining production. Matt Gelb’s report pointed to clubhouse issues, friction with teammates and staff, and questions about overall fit, red flags that ultimately cooled Yankees interest despite their need for power.

Castellanos faces an uncertain market. Even a team like the Yankees, who are actively shopping for offensive upgrades chose not to proceed after digging into the embattled outfielder.

It’s a telling development for a once-productive bat whose reputation and recent struggles now appear to be limiting his options around the league.