One takeaway from this series... is Willi Castro actually good?

[Brock Beauchamp]

Listen, I've been a skeptic from day one and will continue to be one for awhile... but watching Castro take his PAs today, it kinda hit me: this guy might actually be pretty good, at least for a tenth man.

On a day when players were flailing left and right and just kinda making asses of themselves, Castro kept stepping to the plate and taking professional at-bats.

He's never going to be a linchpin of the offense or a staple of the lineup but I have to say, amidst a raging storm of hot mess, I was pretty impressed with Willi's ability to step in and do his job today.

[Kenny Powers]

I certainly think he moves Nick Gordon off the roster for next year.  Down the road, there are a few other guys that might push for UT playing time including: Martin, Prato, Helman, Schobel etc.   

To your point though, he has been a nice addition to this year's team.  I don't think he will ever be more than a UT guy - but that's just my opinion.  It's nice to have guys that can move around and not hurt you.

[JDBrocks]

Willi Castro is actually good. A super utility player that can steal 30+ bases and execute fundamental baseball is always a good thing. Twins don't make the post season with out him.

[Road trip]

If not technically "good", he at least is "valuable".  I'm not certain or confident he will ever be more than an average hitter, but because of his defensive versatility (where he is adequate just about everywhere) and his speed on the base paths he will have value going forward.

He's not arbitration eligible till after next year, and not a free agent until 2026.  Thus, the Twins can keep him at a relatively low cost until he is 30, which is about as long as you want a player whose strongest attribute is his speed.

[Riverbrian]

12 hours ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

He's never going to be a linchpin of the offense or a staple of the lineup

I appreciate the overall positive sentiment of your post. 

Even if it was backhanded.

Never? 

You may be right... However... coaches will continue to work with players with the goal of improving players. If players are set in stone at age 26... there isn't much sense in employing coaches, analysts and the people who are in place to help players play better. 

They are just going to be who they are going to be. 

     

 

[Kenny Powers]

8 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

I appreciate the overall positive sentiment of your post. 

Even if it was backhanded.

Never? 

You may be right... However... coaches will continue to work with players with the goal of improving players. If players are set in stone at age 26... there isn't much sense in employing coaches, analysts and the people who are in place to help players play better. 

They are just going to be who they are going to be. 

     

 

I don't think he OP meant it literally as in zero chance.  I agree with his opinion that it might be unlikely he's more than a UT guy.  But to your point - you never know.  Eduardo Escobar in an example of someone who broke out of the UT mode to be much more.  I didn't see that coming at the time.

[Riverbrian]

1 minute ago, Kenny Powers said:

I don't think he OP meant it literally as in zero chance.  I agree with his opinion that it might be unlikely he's more than a UT guy.  But to your point - you never know.  Eduardo Escobar in an example of someone who broke out of the UT mode to be much more.  I didn't see that coming at the time.

I didn't take it literally. 😎 

I took it as... he doesn't believe in Willi Castro. 

The post was a very nice backhanded compliment. 

I just struggle with declarative statements like that.   

Player X will never be something goes into the same bucket as Weak division so Team X will never win in the playoffs. Manager X is the worst manager in the history of the game type statements, player X got lucky and player Y will turn it around comments.     

 

 

[Jham]

Saw a stat where Castro had 60+ chances at third this year without an error. He then made a stellar play at short. And he might be better in the outfield. His speed and energy changes the game. His hit tool is underrated. Some pop and cerebral approach at the plate. Adjusts in the at bat with patience. Closest approach we have to Arraez but without his contact tool.

[tony&rodney]

Willi Castro will go through arbitration this offseason (Arb2). MLBTradeRumors projects his salary at $3.2M next season.

From his speed to his versatility in the field to his decent bat as a switch-hitter, Castro should be a certain lock on the 2024 roster. 

[Rod Carews Birthday]

Remember Marwin Gonzalez? We targeted and signed him a few years back and called him our 10th man.  Marwin did have one truly outstanding year with the Astros in 2017 (let’s not debate why or how.), but otherwise was a guy who hit slightly better than Castro (both switch hitters) but lacked his speed and defensive chops. Will he be a star on a great team?  No, but he does completely eliminate the need to bring back Gordon or look for a utility guy.  I think he will have a nice career as a utility guy with the Twins and could do well for himself if traded to a team in need of infielders.  Bottom line. . . Yes.  He’s actually good. 

[Road trip]

2 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Willi Castro will go through arbitration this offseason (Arb2). MLBTradeRumors projects his salary at $3.2M next season.

From his speed to his versatility in the field to his decent bat as a switch-hitter, Castro should be a certain lock on the 2024 roster. 

I guess this is correct, as he did just barely pass the 3 year service time window this year.  BRef had him as arbitration eligible in 2024, so my earlier post is wrong, or I misinterpreted BRef's listing.

Either way, for 3.2M I wouldn't hesitate to bring Castro back.

[RocRedWing]

I also think Willi has great energy. Dude loves the game and plays loose and I admire that

[Roaddog]

I'd love to see him back. Reminds me a little of Tony Phillips. 

[Dave Borton]

On 10/11/2023 at 10:14 AM, Jham said:

Saw a stat where Castro had 60+ chances at third this year without an error. He then made a stellar play at short. And he might be better in the outfield. His speed and energy changes the game. His hit tool is underrated. Some pop and cerebral approach at the plate. Adjusts in the at bat with patience. Closest approach we have to Arraez but without his contact tool.

For $1.8,MM, I resign him. Both he and Farmer. Such utility.

Someone used the word "value." Bingo, couldn't agree more.

[The Mad King]

I'm getting some thumbs down on another thread about it, but I think this was his career year.