Twins in 2025. Where Will Willi Play?

[stringer bell]

First a couple of housekeeping notes--I am convinced that the Twins will not add significant payroll in 2025. I am less convinced that the current players will all return, but will proceed with the hypothesis that players from the organization will be promoted to provide depth to the 40-man roster and eventually the active roster. 

I intend to start several threads about questions about the 2025 Twins and rather than make blog entries that few people read or participate in, I'll start them in this forum.

Now, on to Willi Castro. Castro got more plate appearances than any other Twin in 2024. He played very well in the first half of the season and displayed record setting versatility, playing in more than 25 games at second base, shortstop, third base, left field and center field. He got an All-Star nod when Carlos Correa went out with an injury. Like much of the team, Willi faded in the second half. His offensive numbers were league average with an OPS+ of 102. Someone with Castro's versatility is worth more than his raw numbers to a team, but his 1.6 WAR in 2024 doesn't justify automatic regular duty. Castro particularly struggled as a right handed hitter, ending the year with an OPS of only .674.

Last year, Castro was the #1 relief option at shortstop, at least until Brooks Lee was recalled and was also a top relief option in center field unless he was needed in the infield. The composition of the roster in 2025 might put Willi down the pecking order at those two key defensive positions and free him to play somewhere else on a more or less regular basis.

IMHO, I think Castro will be given a more or less regular gig to start 2025 and I think that position will be second base. Other second basemen on the 2024 team include Edouard Julien who may have played his way out of favor or into the minors and Brooks Lee, who would seem to need a bit more time in AAA before he can assume a regular position in the majors. 

Injuries could change that and Willi could be a regular starter elsewhere. Personally, I think it would be beneficial to have Castro not play quite so much. He stole less than half as many bases as in 2023 and was less effective defensively as well. Starting Castro between 100 and 120 games would seem to be the sweet spot.

What is the opinion of Twins Faithful on TD? I hope this can generate some conversation and maybe make us all a bit more optimistic about the coming season.

 

[RpR]

Castro is as close to a second Tovar as the Twins probably have ever had.

If like Tovar, he geta better the next couple of years, losing him will give the Twins a huge hole .

[Vanimal46]

Willi faded big time in the 2nd half. He had a .774 OPS at the All-Star break. After that, .627 OPS in 249 PAs. He will be tendered a contract, but it might be advantageous to sell high on his versatility. 

[Mike Sixel]

I think he's the starting 2b until one of two minor league players come up. However, it might be Lee, who is the only real backup SS on the 40 man.... With Castro playing second when Lee spells CC.

Not what I'd do...

[Craig Arko]

He’ll continue to play all over. Hopefully not needing to every day. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I think Willi will be the primary utility player out of the chute.

[Doctor Wu]

11 hours ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

I think Willi will be the primary utility player out of the chute.

Agree, I see him pretty much handling the same role again. 

[Riverbrian]

If it's my decision... He's on the roster. 

If he stays healthy... He will get lots of playing time due to injuries from others and will once again be near the top of the list in regards to PA's and games played. 

 

[DJL44]

He's their best option at 2B. He's not the best option in CF (Keirsey) or SS (Lee) if there is an injury to the starter at those positions.

[lecroy24fan]

If he's here it will be in a similar role to this year. 20+ games played at several positions.

[DocBauer]

To be fair to Castro, it's my understanding he's had a back issue that developed about the All Star break. Unfortunately, he wasn't allowed enough rest time to get right.

I can see him being the primary 2B if nobody else steps forward. But I think he's best being that super utility player he's been previously. And that's where I'd like to see him, and where I think he excells.