Gilberto Celestino

[William Malone]

Gilberto Celestino was born on February 13, 1999 in the Dominican Republic.

The Houston Astros signed him as an international free agent in 2015. His $2.5 million signing bonus was the seventh highest in that year's signing class. Houston traded him in the package for relief pitcher Ryan Pressly at the 2018 trade deadline. Celestino hit .277 with 54 RBI and 14 stolen bases between Class-A and High-A as a 20-year old in 2019, which was his first full season in the Twins farm system. The COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 minor league season.

He made his Major League debut on June 2, 2021 against the Baltimore Orioles. With Byron Buxton on the injured list with a hip strain, Rocco Baldelli penciled Celestino in as the starting center fielder for much of June. He began his career on an 0-for-15 skid, but eventually got his first hit against New York Yankees relief pitcher Brooks Kriske. His first big league home run and RBI came on June 14th against Marco Gonzales of the Seattle Mariners. Buxton returned to action on June 19th, and Celestino was eventually optioned back to Triple-A in late July. He played in 23 games that summer, batting .136 with two home runs and three RBI.

Minnesota initially optioned Celestino to Triple-A at the conclusion of spring training in 2022, but Brent Rookie was traded to the San Diego Padres on the eve of Opening Day. This opened up a spot for Celestino, who spent all season up with the Twins as a reserve outfielder. He slashed .238/.313/.302 with two home runs and 24 RBI across 122 games. Celestino drew a walk-off walk against the San Francisco Giants on August 27, 2022.

He tore a thumb ligament during a spring training game in 2023, and underwent surgery. Celestino was activated from the injured list on June 18th, but immediately optioned to Triple-A. He did not play a Major League game for the Twins that year, hitting .243 with 31 RBI during 55 games at the Triple-A level. Minnesota designated him for assignment at the season.

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed him to a minor league deal for the 2024 campaign. He played 72 games in Triple-A, but never saw any big league action. Celestino began the 2025 season in the New York Mets minor league system.

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[BrokenCompass]

Good old Celestino, thanks for the memories! Loving these player pages.