Exploring Two Trade Scenarios for Willi Castro

[Cody Christie]

Willi Castro has been a breakout star for the Twins over the last two seasons. Would Minnesota move on from Castro before he becomes a free agent at season’s end?

 

Image courtesy of Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins face a crucial offseason decision regarding utilityman Willi Castro. Arbitration projects him to earn $6.4 million in 2025, which impacts the team’s payroll flexibility. Despite his impending free agency, Castro’s value remains high. According to FanGraphs, he was worth $19.8 million in 2023 and $24.8 million in 2024, underscoring his ability to impact the game in various ways. If the Twins decide to move on, trading Castro could bring back assets to bolster the current and future roster. Let’s examine two hypothetical (but plausible) trade scenarios.

Trade Scenario #1: Partnering with the Milwaukee Brewers

The Proposal:

• Twins Receive: LHP Bryan Hudson
• Brewers Receive: UTL Willi Castro

The Brewers, known for maximizing versatility and emphasizing defense, would be a natural fit for Castro. He could slot in as their starting second baseman, pushing Brice Turang to shortstop and solidifying the middle infield. His speed, switch-hitting ability, and defensive flexibility align well with Milwaukee’s needs and preferences. Last season, Castro became the first MLB player to make at least 25 appearances at five or more defensive positions in a season. H also e hit .247/.331/.385 (.717) with 31 doubles, five triples, and 12 home runs in 158 games. Over the last two seasons, he has averaged 2.15 WAR per season. 

In exchange, the Twins target Milwaukee’s surplus of left-handed relievers. Bryan Hudson is coming off a breakout season and would be a massive upgrade to Minnesota’s already strong bullpen. Last season, he posted a 1.73 ERA with a 0.72 WHIP with 9.0 K/9 and 2.5 WAR. He was among the NL’s best left-handed relievers, and the Twins clearly need a dominant lefty. He is still pre-arbitration eligible and under team control through the 2029 season. The Twins may have to include another piece in this trade or send some money to Milwaukee to balance the deal.

Trade Scenario #2: Sending Castro to the Seattle Mariners

The Proposal:

• Twins Receive: LHP Tayler Saucedo and INF Tai Peete
• Mariners Receive: UTL Willi Castro

The Mariners have had disappointing finishes in the last two seasons, and adding a player like Castro could help them address offensive inconsistencies while providing depth across multiple positions. Currently, Seattle has Dylan Moore (2B) and Donovan Solano (3B) at the top of their depth chart. Castro’s versatility would help them at multiple defensive positions, and his 158 games played would have led the team. With sights set on a postseason push, Seattle may see Castro as a cost-effective upgrade who brings a unique skill set to complement their core players.

For the Twins, this deal helps the club address their lack of left-handed relievers while adding a prospect. Tayler Saucedo posted a 3.49 ERA with a 1.37 WHIP and an 8.8 K/9. He is first-year arbitration eligible and is under team control through the 2027 season. Tai Peete is a versatile defender with a solid offensive profile and would add another layer of depth to the organization’s farm system. The 18-year-old played at Low-A last season and slashed .269/.343/.408 (.751) with 42 extra-base hits in 115 games. He has high upside but is a long way from the big leagues.

Weighing the Options
Both scenarios offer intriguing possibilities for the Twins. Trading Castro would be a tough pill to swallow, given his contributions to the team over the past two seasons. However, leveraging his value on an expiring contract could yield meaningful returns, while carving more than $6 million off Minnesota's tight budget. A deal with the Brewers addresses bullpen needs while offering immediate relief depth, while a trade with the Mariners delivers a left-handed reliever and more depth for an already strong farm system.

Ultimately, the Twins’ decision will depend on their evaluation of Castro’s future role and ability to navigate financial constraints. It seems unlikely that the Twins will retain Castro after this season, so now might be the optimal time to trade him. Moving him now could free up payroll and position the team for long-term success, but only if the return meets the organization’s lofty standards.

Which trade makes the most sense for the Twins? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

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[MinnesotaTwins26]

Mariners if anything, but I prefer to just keep Castro.

 

[nicksaviking]

Sorry, but I'm not trading him just to target a relief lefty, unless it's a proven commodity. 

Hudson is 27 and threw 9 MLB innings prior to last year. Maybe he's a breakout, but I think it's just as likely, if not more likely, that he's a flash in the pan. Looks like his fastball only goes 90-91 MPH and he was also DFA'd by the Dodgers this time last year. The Dodgers aren't perfect, but they're pretty close; if they didn't believe in him, I'm not sure I'd want to.

Saucido threw only 38 innings in 53 games last year. I didn't know that kind of ratio was still possible in today's game. He's a total LOOGY and I don't want LOOGYs anymore; you have to be able to get batters from both sides of the plate out in today's game.

[PatPfund]

Castro makes the most sense as a trade candidate (unless you make a deal for Larnach or Wallner), because his flexibility has broad appeal, his salary is big enough to matter to the Twins but not many other teams, and he actually had a good year last year so there is actually a chance to return value. Throw in Tonkin on the Milwaukee deal (they get a cheap serviceable MLB RP in addition to the everyday player, we open a guaranteed salary slot for the new guy in the 'pen.

[Dman]

I'd want something fairly decent if they decided to trade him since he is kind of critical to the club playing pretty much every position.  And yet I can't see them keeping him past this year so if the return gave them something they need like an elite lefty reliever or right handed power corner bat I could see it making sense.

They have other players that can fill in just not many that fill every role like Castro can.  I assume they would want to be like Cleveland and get something before he leaves but will have to wait and see.  If the offer isn't good enough might as well just keep him.

[ashbury]

15 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Saucido threw only 38 innings in 53 games last year. I didn't know that kind of ratio was still possible in today's game.

While one tactic is to bring the guy in for the final out of the inning, after which the rules do let you replace him for the next inning, a more reliable tactic ("The Facepalm") to achieve this elusive result is if the pitcher can't get anyone out* and he's removed after the three requisite batters.  😀

* I keed, I keed.  To be fair, Saucedo did that only once in 2024.  He did have his share of appearances facing 3 batters and registering one out, though.

[nicksaviking]

9 minutes ago, ashbury said:

While one tactic is to bring the guy in for the final out of the inning, after which the rules do let you replace him for the next inning, a more reliable tactic ("The Facepalm") to achieve this elusive result is if the pitcher can't get anyone out* and he's removed after the three requisite batters.  😀

* okay, I keed, I keed.  To be fair, Saucedo did that only once in 2024

Yeah, and the first is a valid tactic.

Of course as you mention, the disasterous downside to that tactic is when the LOOGY fails to get the lefty out and the opposing manager drools at his opportunity to load up two righties to tee off on the junk-baller and turn it into a big inning.

[tony&rodney]

These ideas are both well conceived. My only comment would be questions of whether:  Willi Castro is needed on the Twin Roster; would the Brewers even consider trading Hudson; and despite liking Peete as a prospect, can the Twins pry away Harry Ford.

I would consider either trade despite feeling that Castro has high value to the Twins. Tai Peete is a high ceiling, low floor outstanding athlete. This type of acquisition often brings a huge gain down the road. Who fills for Castro in 2025? 

Concerns about Castro were a part of why my blueprint called for a major trade for another prospect of high value, Jordan Lawler, and a promotion of Emmanuel Rodriguez to the lineup. 

When we hear/read of a big increase in conversations from numerous clubs interested in trades in a recent Falvey presser, one wonders where the Twins are headed.

[bean5302]

The Twins are in win-now mode with several probable holes in the lineup. Castro is a valuable player. Trade proposals should take both of those things into consideration.

[nicksaviking]

4 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

These ideas are both well conceived. My only comment would be questions of whether:  Willi Castro is needed on the Twin Roster; would the Brewers even consider trading Hudson; and despite liking Peete as a prospect, can the Twins pry away Harry Ford.

I would consider either trade despite feeling that Castro has high value to the Twins. Tai Peete is a high ceiling, low floor outstanding athlete. This type of acquisition often brings a huge gain down the road. Who fills for Castro in 2025? 

I just don't have interest in more prospects, particularly if ownership and therefore the front office, may not be here this time next year. New people = new perspective. I'd like to keep the slate as clean as possible. Maybe the FO will stay the same, but it's not a given.

I'd trade Castro along with OUR prospects to upgrade the team in some way for this year, but I'd value one more year of Castro more than little-known mid-rotation relievers. I know we can see their numbers from last year, but overall, these guys bust just as often as what's on the waiver wire.

[tony&rodney]

15 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

The Twins are in win-now mode with several probable holes in the lineup. Castro is a valuable player. Trade proposals should take both of those things into consideration.

Agree. Thinking further, I'm not too interested in trades that don't clearly help the 2025 team.

[DJL44]

The Twins have plenty of relievers. They need another bat. If they trade Castro for a reliever they still have plenty of relievers but now they need two bats.

[bean5302]

37 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I just don't have interest in more prospects, particularly if ownership and therefore the front office, may not be here this time next year. New people = new perspective. I'd like to keep the slate as clean as possible. Maybe the FO will stay the same, but it's not a given.

I'd trade Castro along with OUR prospects to upgrade the team in some way for this year, but I'd value one more year of Castro more than little-known mid-rotation relievers. I know we can see their numbers from last year, but overall, these guys bust just as often as what's on the waiver wire.

I'd have an interest in ALL the prospects everywhere, but not before solidifying the MLB roster :) Front office changeovers have come with an abandonment or cleaning of house of existing prospects, though. Falvey was quick to move on from previous regime prospects in many cases, though it doesn't seem to have been colossally damaging. 

[nicksaviking]

18 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

I'd have an interest in ALL the prospects everywhere, but not before solidifying the MLB roster :) Front office changeovers have come with an abandonment or cleaning of house of existing prospects, though. Falvey was quick to move on from previous regime prospects in many cases, though it doesn't seem to have been colossally damaging. 

Yeah, might not be damaging so much as delaying. 

Should the Twins get owners intent on winning (I'm still not convinced that's a given) I want to hit the ground running with the NEW game plan in 2026. I'd rather it not be 'first we have to do this, then switch this, than do a bit of that. OK, NOW we can give it a go'. 

So I'd rather meddle as little as possible with what is currently on the table and avoid acquiring future assets which may or may not even be wanted. Which I know makes for an unexciting 2025 off season.

[sweetmusicviola16]

I don't see Mil doing that deal. Sea might. But we need Castro for 2025. How about if we spend even a little FA money and bring Coloumbe back? Yeah I know there is "budget," every TD article mentions it. If no money for a Coloumbe maybe we should not have resigned Topa and Tonkin.

[rv78]

If the Twins are going to trade their best player then they need a bigger return than what you propose, unless you are of the faith in dumpster diving like the "organizations lofty standards" have brought in lately. I don't need to name names. Some of the sarcasm here is really funny. 

[dxpavelka]

I don't think the M's are trading a first round pick from 2 years ago for a utility IF no matter how highly we think of Castro.

[JBK]

Why is Castro even a trade subject?  His salary doesn't impact the budget, Buxton's does.  It's time to cut sling load on Buck.  Trading Buck saves the team $60M!!  Ten years and he's had 100 hits in a season ONE time.  Management has been too patient and too loyal.  They haven't gotten their monies worth at all.  If you are a fan of launch angles and strikeouts, Buck is your man.  If you are a fan of a player who will do anything for the team to win, Willi is your guy.

[High heat]

The Twins biggest weakness has been speed and defense and we want to get rid of the guys with the most speed (atleast stolen base wise) and good versitile defender. For a true middle reliever.  I don’t like it at all. 
 

I think are better off looking to trade Larnach  (poor defender no speed, trouble staying healthy) who likely has similar value and making Castro the mostly everyday LFer.  
 

Then if the Twins want to Castro would likely have greater value at the trade deadline due to defensive flexibility.  
 

Moving Castro would put a big reliance on Michael Helman and likely Will Holland who haven’t stayed healthy or hit in the majors at all. 
 

I am ok with moving Castro because of his value and impending free agency.  But I think you would have to get significantly more than a middle reliever. 

[Doctor Gast]

Yeah, MIL & SEA could really use Castro but there is one other team that needs Castro even more. & that is MN! Castro was the Twins' MVP for a reason! & that is because MN gets hurt a lot at the premium positions. Trading away Castro would be a big mistake because we have no one in-house that can take his place. You can't find in FA, & if you could he'd be too expensive. & no one who had one on their team they would normally not be stupid enough to trade him. If we need a salary dump trade Paddack & forget about Castro. I'd be interested in (MIL) Jefferson Quero but would rather use INFer Julien instead.

[tony&rodney]

34 minutes ago, dxpavelka said:

I don't think the M's are trading a first round pick from 2 years ago for a utility IF no matter how highly we think of Castro.

I agree which is why I was initially thinking this was a  proposal that could greatly benefit the Twins down the road. It is an idea that might have merit in another time. However, the Twins need to spend their time thinking about 2025, not rebuilding. I like Peete though.

[Fire Dan Gladden]

3 hours ago, bean5302 said:

The Twins are in win-now mode with several probable holes in the lineup. Castro is a valuable player. Trade proposals should take both of those things into consideration.

I am not convinced this team is in win-now mode.  Win-now teams either increase salary or make decisions that are not aways in the best for long term interests.  I think this team is in stuck-in-the-mud mode until they have a better idea of what ownership wants.

Because of that, management does not know which way to go.  Improve the team or tear it down.  This basically kills any deal that has a whiff of impact.

That being said, here we have another article looking to trade a young, cheap, starting caliber position player for a RP.  I don't have the words...

[gman]

The Dodgers just the next best thing that everyone seemed to be gunning for. Their team salary approaches $400mil per year and the Yankees payroll is north of $300. I think you need to get serious about thinking of 2025 as far as a go for it year. Make the best deal possible for Castro, because otherwise he'll be gone for nothing next year.

After seeing what the Dodgers, Yankees and Phillies are spending, I would think a new owner might take a step back.

[Blyleven2011]

The mariners are not trading for castro , they want hitters that don't strike out  , If I remember correctly  , castro struck out 150 plus ...

The twins need to fill holes , I wait and see on the FO's creative moves ...

Better get something exciting Going for the fans at twins fest ...

[sweetmusicviola16]

12 minutes ago, Blyleven2011 said:

The mariners are not trading for castro , they want hitters that don't strike out  , If I remember correctly  , castro struck out 150 plus ...

The twins need to fill holes , I wait and see on the FO's creative moves ...

Better get something exciting Going for the fans at twins fest ...

They signed LHRP Anthony Misiewicz yesterday. What more could you want?

[old nurse]

2 hours ago, JBK said:

Why is Castro even a trade subject?  

Welcome to Twins Daily. You must have missed that pretty much any player has had their name as trade discussions.  Will it happen? Probably bot.  So why all the articles? People need to know what will never happen 

[roger]

Count me among those who believe Castro had his best half year last season.  Trade him.

[Linus]

Castro is uniquely valuable to the Twins as they have a history of lots of injuries and there are performance concerns across a number of positions in our lineup.  Castro goes a long way towards mitigating these problems.  I do understand why some people would want to move him because he will not be around next year.  If they are struggling at next year’s deadline I would deal along with several others.

[weitz41]

I could see Castro traded but likely he would need to go to a team no paying attention to payroll. So, although neither trade is per say bad. Both of them are teams that struggle with payroll restrictions.  Mets (of course), Yankees and teams like the Braves or maybe Baltimore make more sense. Solid ideas but post RSN it may not work.

[jorgenswest]

7 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

Hudson is 27 and threw 9 MLB innings prior to last year. Maybe he's a breakout, but I think it's just as likely, if not more likely, that he's a flash in the pan. Looks like his fastball only goes 90-91 MPH and he was also DFA'd by the Dodgers this time last year. The Dodgers aren't perfect, but they're pretty close; if they didn't believe in him, I'm not sure I'd want to.

I would add that he was a minor league free agent after 2022 also. His 2024 BABIP was .148. His swinging strike rate of 9.3% would have been the lowest amount the Twins bullpen last year other a few pitchers that pitched very little.. Overt was 9.9% and Richards was 9.4%.

On 1/16/2025 at 4:07 AM, Cody Christie said:

He was among the NL’s best left-handed relievers, and the Twins clearly need a dominant lefty.

That poor rate doesn’t fit with the claim of being among the best left handed relievers in the NL. Relievers are put in too many situations where it is really helpful to get a swinging strike. A .148 BABIP was extremely helpful last year but not sustainable to this year.