Let's Get Specific About a Willi Castro Contract Extension

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Minnesota Twins picked Willi Castro up off the scrap heap prior to the 2023 season. He had been released by the Detroit Tigers, despite being just 25 years old. Fast-forward two years, and he now looks like an extension candidate.

 

Image courtesy of © Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

During the 2020 season, Willi Castro posted a 153 OPS+ and finished fourth in American League Rookie of the Year voting. The next two seasons, of traditional length, saw him post just a 79 OPS+ across 237 games. Although the Tigers aren’t a juggernaut by any means, they decided his services were no longer needed. Given his performance and their change in leadership right at that time, it's hard to blame them.

Castro had a solid first season with Minnesota after signing a minor-league free-agent deal, but 2024 has taken it to another level. Despite the presence of Royce Lewis, Brooks Lee, José Miranda, and Carlos Correa on the infield, Castro has been available for whatever role Rocco Baldelli has asked of him. It has resulted in a career-best 112 OPS+ and made him an All-Star for the first time in his career.

This season, Castro is being paid just $3.3 million through arbitration. Even with his strong season, that number shouldn’t jump to much more than $6 million next year. Next season is his final year of arbitration eligibility, but it’s also a moment when Minnesota could generate some cost certainty and buy out some of his free agency.

Twenty-eight years old in 2025, Castro and the Twins could find a middle ground on a three-year deal that would buy out the first two years of his free agency. He would still hit the market as a young 30-year-old, and his utility may then be enticing for a franchise within sniffing distance of the World Series.

For Minnesota, Castro’s presence over the next three years can help to mitigate whatever growing pains some of the less tested talents go through. He is playable both on the dirt and in the outfield. That skillset shouldn’t wane in the short term, and he’s above-average at the plate. His presence doesn’t force anyone out of the picture, and he has proven to be among the most valuable Twins this season.

Of course, Castro should want to capitalize on his earning potential, but he doesn’t hit free agency this offseason, and that’s where the opportunity exists for Minnesota. Trading in some future certainty for the sake of additional dollars may be in Castro’s best interest. After all, he has been sent packing before.

I’m not sure if three years and $20 million would be enough to get the job done, but $30 million should. Facing self-imposed payroll restrictions, the Twins could push the money to the final two years of the deal, in hopes that the Pohlads have their business ventures figured out at that point. Tacking on an option at the end may be a possibility, as well.

Castro has provided tremendous surplus value each of the past two seasons. Rewarding him for that would be fun to see, and it seems to be something that could be beneficial for both sides. Castro appears to have found a level of comfort with the Twins, and his manager has consistently spoken fondly of him as well. We'll see whether the front office is as exuberant.

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[twinstalker]

I can't think of a worse decision than extending Castro.  Twins have a year of control left, and there's an argument to be made to trade him.  Keaschall and Eeles hold the same positional value and will likely hit and be ready in 2025 or 2026.  Lee will be the backup shortstop option.

What Castro makes next year is the amount he'd likely have to be paid for however many years the Twins would extend him.  If the Twins aren't increasing payroll, this is the type of player they could trade if the others are ready.  Unfortunately, Keaschall/Eeles may not be ready for next year.  They could be, though.  Or they may have to be.

If it doesn't stunt their payroll, let Castro play out his last year.  If it does, trade him.  Or trade him to open up the money he makes to help elsewhere.

[darin617]

15 minutes ago, twinstalker said:

I can't think of a worse decision than extending Castro.  Twins have a year of control left, and there's an argument to be made to trade him.  Keaschall and Eeles hold the same positional value and will likely hit and be ready in 2025 or 2026.  Lee will be the backup shortstop option.

What Castro makes next year is the amount he'd likely have to be paid for however many years the Twins would extend him.  If the Twins aren't increasing payroll, this is the type of player they could trade if the others are ready.  Unfortunately, Keaschall/Eeles may not be ready for next year.  They could be, though.  Or they may have to be.

If it doesn't stunt their payroll, let Castro play out his last year.  If it does, trade him.  Or trade him to open up the money he makes to help elsewhere.

I tend to agree. The Twins have a bunch of young middle infielders coming that could easily become super utility players like Castro. Let 2025 play out and then go from there.

[Schmoeman5]

2020 he finished 4th for ROY with a OPS+ of 153. This year an All-star with a career best 112 OPS+ ???

[Jocko87]

Just another excuse for inserting the "self-imposed" modifier for no reason.

Extension? Crazy talk. He will either be a really nice trade chip at the deadline or a nice piece of a championship roster.  He's not going to get 10m AND steal playing time from Lee, Julien, Keaschall et al.

[Ted Schwerzler]

34 minutes ago, Schmoeman5 said:

2020 he finished 4th for ROY with a OPS+ of 153. This year an All-star with a career best 112 OPS+ ???

2020 wasn't a real season and the wonky numbers across the league reflect that.

[Karbo]

I like Willi but I would be cautious about an extension. I would sat OK to something in the range of 3/30 or even up to 3/35. They could still trade him as that price would be attractive to many teams in a playoff race. Absolutely no to a no trade clause. Then if a guy like Keaschal or Martin or someone can fill his shoes so be it. A decent trade piece is always nice to have.

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Jocko87 said:

He's not going to get 10m AND steal playing time from Lee, Julien, Keaschall et al.

If Castro is "stealing" playing time from Julien and Keaschall then Buxton is stealing playing time from Keirsey, Correa is stealing playing time from Diego Castillo and Joe Ryan is stealing playing time from Randy Dobnak.

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

Willi will be part of a hopefully a division winning team, and maybe more, in 2025 and then he'll cash in with another team. He's been a great signing and has been a big part of recent successes but with the Twins payroll crunch and the middle infield pipeline, he doesn't fit into their long term plans.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

2 hours ago, twinstalker said:

I can't think of a worse decision than extending Castro.  Twins have a year of control left, and there's an argument to be made to trade him.  Keaschall and Eeles hold the same positional value and will likely hit and be ready in 2025 or 2026.  Lee will be the backup shortstop option.

What Castro makes next year is the amount he'd likely have to be paid for however many years the Twins would extend him.  If the Twins aren't increasing payroll, this is the type of player they could trade if the others are ready.  Unfortunately, Keaschall/Eeles may not be ready for next year.  They could be, though.  Or they may have to be.

If it doesn't stunt their payroll, let Castro play out his last year.  If it does, trade him.  Or trade him to open up the money he makes to help elsewhere.

How many 3 WAR utility players have the Twins developed in their entire existence?

LNP had a 3.6 WAR season in 2006. Any others?

why so confident in prospects who come with no guarantees?

i’d extend Castro, super valuable

[DJL44]

Like the article stated an arbitration award of $6M is likely. $12M is Jeff McNeil / Nico Hoerner money so I guess that's possible for his free agent seasons. That would make a 3 year / $30M contract fair but still tradeable if one of the minor leaguers improves and they want to deal him later.

[IndianaTwin]

I like Castro. 

But he seems like Arraez-style trade bait. If he nets a López-like starter in a budget-neutral trade, go for it. 

[DJL44]

3 minutes ago, IndianaTwin said:

I like Castro. 

But he seems like Arraez-style trade bait. If he nets a López-like starter in a budget-neutral trade, go for it. 

I don't think it's likely they will be able to get a cheap #2 starter for a good utility infielder with one year of control remaining.

[Dman]

I'd like to see him extended.  The Twins have no one in the system that can do what Willie can.  He can play every position infield and outfield.  He is one of the few players with speed on the team who can steal a base.  He only K's at a 20% rate and his walks are up this year showing a bit more plate discipline.  He is the ultimate insurance policy for injuries at virtually any position.

I wouldn't do a long term deal, but If they could get a near All Star on a two or three year deal they should pull the trigger. Injuries happen and with Correa\Lewis\Buxton there will be playing time.

[gil4]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

...then Buxton is stealing playing time from Keirsey, Correa is stealing playing time from Diego Castillo and Joe Ryan is stealing playing time from Randy Dobnak.

I wish they were

[Fire Dan Gladden]

Castro will be a really interesting case study this offseason to see where the Twins stand financially... I think they should look to extend him, but nothing too crazy.  Something like 2/18 with a third year team option of $12m.  Best of both worlds contract.

That being said, back to reality.  They Twins will let him go to arbitration next year.  90% chance he will not be a Twin in 2026.

[DocBauer]

Castro is a super utility player in the fact that he can play solid defense all over the dirt and the grass and produce a .748 OPS and get elected to an All Star game.

His value us great BECAUSE he's a super utility player. Correa goes down? Who do you promote from AAA? Whoever you like, INF or OF, doesn't matter, because he covers wherever you need him.

If you put him at ONE SPOT and left him there, he's an above average, quality offensive player and at LEAST AVERAGE defender. That kind of player is a $6-8M player. The fact that he can perform offensively AND defensively only increases his value. Why does being a super utility player decrease his value in ANY way?

I'm a big fan of Keaschal, but he's more of a replacement for Martin than Castro. 

Castro is absolutely, 100% worth a 3 or 2+ type of extension for $8M ish. Hopefully he would accept that. He is an above average player who adds to the roster/lineup/team depth and versatility wherever he plays. He's the perfect 10th man. If there's room in payroll at all, he should be kept and extended if at all possible.

Yes, Lee can start at 2B and cover SS and 3B. Yes, Julien can play 1B and 2B. Yes, Miranda can play 1B and 3B. Yes, Martin can play 2B, LF, and CF, (again with the Keaschall comment). 

Only Keaschall is an OF candidate of that group, and he doesnt play SS or 3B.

I'm NOT dismissing any prospects future value or flexibility. But it feels many are dismissing Castro as easily replaceable from prospects yet to reach the ML level, much less having the capability to do what he does, is very short sighted.

I'd love to have him for another 3 years.

[mickster]

11 hours ago, twinstalker said:

I can't think of a worse decision than extending Castro.  Twins have a year of control left, and there's an argument to be made to trade him.  Keaschall and Eeles hold the same positional value and will likely hit and be ready in 2025 or 2026.  Lee will be the backup shortstop option.

What Castro makes next year is the amount he'd likely have to be paid for however many years the Twins would extend him.  If the Twins aren't increasing payroll, this is the type of player they could trade if the others are ready.  Unfortunately, Keaschall/Eeles may not be ready for next year.  They could be, though.  Or they may have to be.

If it doesn't stunt their payroll, let Castro play out his last year.  If it does, trade him.  Or trade him to open up the money he makes to help elsewhere.

I would like to see them lock up Castro, and then use the Keaschall/Eeales of the world in trades.   Prospects sometimes have more value this way, and we have plenty.   

[mickster]

9 hours ago, DJL44 said:

If Castro is "stealing" playing time from Julien and Keaschall then Buxton is stealing playing time from Keirsey, Correa is stealing playing time from Diego Castillo and Joe Ryan is stealing playing time from Randy Dobnak.

Julien/Keaschall should be dangled for SP in the off season.

[nclahammer]

IMHO Willi Castro was essentially our team MVP a year ago and continues to be an important puzzle piece that Rocco can fit into any number of places like no one else on any roster in the Twins system.  Extend him please.

[JD-TWINS]

Castro IS the right handed hitting OF that the Team seems to be pushed to pursue in the market nearly weekly here and in national media…..the suggested budget from TD guys has been $6-$12M …….he’s the guy!!

Lee - Lewis - Miranda - Correa - maybe Julien - maybe Keaschall can handle the dirt going forward. Castro would still be there to supplement as needed.

Many here have commented on the IF youth he may displace - he doesn’t displace anyone, he plays where he’s needed.

Margot is gone in 10 weeks! Martin has not shown he can play CF nor hit at a high enough level - athletic, sure - effective?

Castro as Buxton’s back-up and the starter in LF v. LH pitching……….that’s 50-60% of the games right there with zero time on the dirt. Knock on wood, he could potentially start 80 games in CF if Buxton isn’t right physically for stretches.

2 years at $7.5M gives a guy who was on the fringe 16 months ago some security. A mutual option for another $7.5M allows him to shop himself for ‘27 & if the Team values him after ‘26 they can see if he wants to re-up with his side of the option.

A trade option throughout the contract if others are shining.

[Brandon]

Team MVP for 10 million a season?  What a deal!  That is the contract extension I was thinking he could get.  His offense is good.  but his real value is being solid defensively at so many positions including CF.  (Buxton insurance) He prevents and injury from being devastating. Thats what makes him so valuable.  As a starter at a position he can be solid or adequate but if someone gets hurt like Lewis he keeps the Twins from going from a 170 OPS+ hitter to an 80 OPS+ hitter with a 110 OPS + hitter and with good defense.  both the defense and above average bat have value. or in CF we go from a 135 OPS + to 110 OPS + and from best defense CF to above average defense is CF.  that is an acceptable downgrade during injury vs a terrible defensive CF or one that cant hit.  

[Linus]

I don’t know about an extension but what I do know is the Twins have nobody that can replace his versatility. Names like Martin Keascall have been thrown out there. They have zero chance of replacing Castros value. They can’t even play one position much less five. An extension is a tough decision but let’s not pretend that Castro can be easily replaced. He may not be able to be replaced at all. 

[h2oface]

"Castro is a super utility player in the fact that he can play solid defense all over the dirt and the grass and produce a .748 OPS and get elected to an All Star game."

Castro didn't get elected to the all-star game. 

Castro was a replacement selection, an appointed/selected choice of the commissioner's office to replace injured Altuve. That is a ton different than being elected. And Correa was also a commissioner's office pick as the mandatory selection of at least one player from each team. When Correa was hurt, Castro was helped to get the nod. It is likely that being a commissioner's office selection is the only way Correa will ever be selected to the All-Star game, as the players certainly will never elect him as a sub, and unlikely the fans for any team other than Houston or Minnesota will forget, either.

[TL]

I think they need to lock him up or trade him this offseason. He’s too valuable to let walk for nothing. Will 3 years for $24MM (6, 8, 10) get it done, with perhaps a $12MM option or $2MM buy out? I could see that. And if not then I think he will be quite valuable as a trade piece.

And if he does sign it makes it easier to stomach trading a valuable minor leaguer

[nddan67]

Willi makes all the injuries the Twins have suffered the past two seasons be not nearly as bad as they would be if he wasn't there.  Extend him.

[bean5302]

Castro's on pace for about 4 WAR this year, and he's solidified himself as an above average switch hitter a team can play anywhere other than catcher. Most teams, I think, would be comfortable plugging him in as a starter at 2B/3B/SS/LF/RF. He'll be age 28 next year.

Castro is looking at a 5-6 year deal at $100MM+ easy in free agency if he puts up another 4 WAR full season value in 2025.

The Twins have a shrinking payroll and long term contracts for Buxton, Correa, and Lopez eating up $70MM starting next year. Plus Vazquez, Paddack who eat up $17.5MM more. Then they have Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Royce Lewis, Griffin Jax, Jhoan Duran all hitting arb1 next year. Say $17.5MM for those guys, that puts the Twins at $105MM. Dobnak eats up $3MM, Alcala costs $1.5MM.
 
If the Twins keep all those players, then average about $1MM for everybody else on the roster, that puts the Twins awfully close to their probable max of $125MM-ish.

I'm not sure where the Twins are going to find an extra $6-7MM for Castro's arb 3 status, let alone for a long term extension for him. Some of the numbers I'm seeing being floated for him are... very wishful thinking IMHO.

[DJL44]

49 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Castro is looking at a 5-6 year deal at $100MM+ easy in free agency if he puts up another 4 WAR full season value in 2025.

Utility players do not command a premium in free agency. Bogaerts and Marcus Semien got $25M a season. Bregman got $20M. Chris Taylor gets $15M. I think $12-$15M is top-end of the market for Willi Castro.

[Doctor Gast]

Castro is a true super-utility player. A player that any serious & intelligent team like LAD would highly value & lock up as soon as possible. IMO Castro should have extended last offseason very reasonably having a non-Boris agent. His valuable versatility adds quality depth all over the field, he even plays a very good ss but he's over-extended there & over time it wears him down. His offense is impressive that can be utilized from both sides of the plate.  

He adds a new dimension to the Twins' base-running. Together with all this, he adds valuable durability which is a rare quality these days. Even though he made the All-Star game he's underrated & should be a very reasonable extension for a tight budget.

[Mike Sixel]

Extend him and Lewis? Where is this money coming from? 

I'd 100% extend this guy, though. Productive, healthy, super utility. Great asset.