Willi Castro is again in the marketplace after a brief stick with the Cubs that by no means become an outlined function. Chicago introduced him in for depth and flexibility, however his time there was restricted, and he by no means discovered constant enjoying time earlier than the season moved on.
Earlier within the yr with Minnesota, Castro proved he may deal with an everyday workload, hitting 10 residence runs with a .245 BA throughout 86 video games.
He earned an All-Star nod whereas bouncing throughout the infield and outfield, beginning video games at second base, shortstop, third and all three outfield spots.
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He wasn’t carrying a lineup, however he stayed playable as a result of he may transfer round and maintain his personal on the plate as a switch-hitter.
That sort of ability set performs greatest on groups that actively rotate lineups and handle relaxation. In the proper scenario, he nonetheless matches as an everyday contributor relatively than emergency depth.
#1. Atlanta Braves
Atlanta has constantly leaned on multi-position gamers to handle an extended season and Castro matches that function. The Braves rotate regulars, handle workloads and like having switch-hitters accessible late in video games.
Castro can cowl the infield corners, fill in at second or quick when wanted and deal with nook outfield work with out creating defensive points.
On the plate, he may provide them steadiness in opposition to each right-handed and left-handed pitching with no need on a regular basis at-bats. Atlanta wouldn’t be asking him to interchange anybody, solely to stabilize the roster when accidents or relaxation days come up.
#2. Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh is among the few groups the place Castro’s ability set could be used accurately. Pittsburgh has leaned closely on younger place gamers and that strategy typically exposes skinny bench depth over an extended season.
He may cowl a number of spots, switch-hit off the bench and fill in for brief stretches when wanted.
For a group seeking to get extra steady with out tying up long-term cash, Castro is sensible.
#3. Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies have lengthy been a reset spot for hitters seeking to re-establish themselves. Castro’s contact-first strategy matches Coors Area, the place balls in play are likely to fall.
The Rockies additionally like gamers who can transfer round defensively in a park that stresses vary. Castro may transfer between roles primarily based on well being and matchups with out locking the membership into something long run.
It’s not a headline transfer, however it works. A full season of normal at-bats in Denver may put him again in a greater spot subsequent winter.
Edited by nagpaltusharn25
