Willi Castro Poll

[stringer bell]

The exhibition season has started! I haven't seen a poll on this site in a while, so I thought I'd post a poll with a prediction for the 2025 season about Willi Castro.

Castro led the 2024 Twins in games played and plate appearances by a considerable margin. He was a regular player without a single or preferred position and was named MVP of the team so it figures he'll be in the lineup when the Twins face the Cardinals and most likely Sonny Gray on the 27th.

Where will Castro start the season? I'd be interested if people have predictions for Castro's usage during the 2025 season if they want to add a comment.

[ashbury]

I voted for third base, as a last minute substitute in Game 1 for nominal starter Royce Lewis who has to sit out due to a [spins the injury wheel] jammed [spins the body part wheel] head.

[stringer bell]

3 minutes ago, ashbury said:

I voted for third base, as a last minute substitute in Game 1 for nominal starter Royce Lewis who has to sit out due to a [spins the injury wheel] jammed [spins the body part wheel] head.

I think there's a decent chance that Willi starts the first game at third base because Lewis will DH quite a bit and Willi might be the best defensive option at third.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I voted LF because Rocco always surprises 

[ashbury]

2 minutes ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

I voted LF because Rocco always surprises 

Copycat.  That's what Rocco did last year in Game 1.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

17 minutes ago, ashbury said:

Copycat.  That's what Rocco did last year in Game 1.

I didn’t look I swear!

[stringer bell]

38 minutes ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

I voted LF because Rocco always surprises 

Prior to the Bader and France signings, I thought left field would be the most likely spot. Still a good bet IMHO. 

[stringer bell]

As for the other categories, I guess there is a possibility that Castro could not be in the starting lineup due to injury or if everyone steps up, but I doubt it. He also could be the starting shortstop or center fielder if Buxton or Correa were injured in ST. Of course, Spring Training trades happen and Willi has been rumored to be on the market this off season.

[Squirrel]

I wanted to vote for all of the above but you didn’t set the poll for multiple answers. 🙂

[Jocko87]

I voted 2nd base and assuming health for everyone. Lee or Julien might nail down the second base job but team MVP gets the opening day start there. Rocco is also aware of the dynamics and its easier to hold the start from Lee than Larnach.

He earned the ovation he will get and Rocco will make sure he gets it in the field. For that reason he also gets the home opener at 2nd.

Every other game is a question.

[GCTF]

something something rally monkey option missing.

 

[stringer bell]

I think Castro will play less at short and in center field than he did last year and that will be good for him and good for the Twins. It will be interesting to see where Willi is on the depth chart for center field, shortstop and third base. 

He could be behind Miranda and Lewis at third and I can see the possibility of Bader getting more time in left than Castro.

Second base looks to be quite a jumble. Apparently Martin is not in serious consideration for playing time there, but both Lee and Julien could be candidates for a majority of playing time there. Also Lee could figure in as Correa's backup at short and at third base, as well. 

It seems to me that Willi is kind of the default setting at all his best positions. As a switch hitter with good speed and base running instincts, he provides the Twins with skills that are in short supply with the rest of the squad and getting him on the field a lot makes a lot of sense. Injuries and ineffectiveness will happen, so I have no doubt Castro will play plenty in 2025 if he stays on the team. 

[Doctor Wu]

Well, it appears he may still be playing with the Twins, but as far as starting at any one position, I would not bet any money on anything in that regard. 

[stringer bell]

7 hours ago, Doctor Wu said:

Well, it appears he may still be playing with the Twins, but as far as starting at any one position, I would not bet any money on anything in that regard. 

The poll question was where he would play on Opening Day. 

[lecroy24fan]

Was looking for another thread to post this one in but Willi played 27 games or more at 6 positions last year, plus 2 pitching appearances. I find it funny that RF was not one of them and he's played there a few times recently.