Willi Castro Had One of MLB’s Craziest Stats in 2024

Willi Castro
Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins have fallen apart down the stretch. There has been very little positivity for Rocco Baldelli’s club over the past month. Willi Castro, who was named an All-Star for the first time this season, has always been capable of providing a spark.

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Minnesota Twins Willi Castro is truly Mr. Utility

When the Minnesota Twins signed Willi Castro following his release from the Detroit Tigers, they envisioned him being able to play multiple positions. In 2023 he did just that, taking the field at seven different spots. He has played less positions (6) this season, but done them all enough to be trusted. Anthony Castrovince recently called Castro’s production one of the most mind-blowing stats of the season.

“[5] Number of positions in which the Twins’ super-duper utilityman Willi Castro has played at least 25 games. He is the first player in history with that many games at that many positions. Castro, an All-Star this year, has played 56 games at shortstop, 39 games at second base, 30 in center field, 30 in left field and 26 at third base. And of course, he’s even made two (scoreless!) pitching appearances.”

Castrovince on Willi Castro’s positions played (MLB.com)

It’s one thing to understand that a utility man exists on virtually every roster in baseball. It’s completely different to see one be good enough that they can hold down spots for a substantial period of time. The Twins had injuries all over the place, and the player often called upon to supplement them was Willi Castro.

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That doesn’t mean Castro was a positive asset in each of the positions he played. The traditional infielder posted a -3 DRS at second base, and a terrible -9 DRS in his time at shortstop. The hot corner appearances were brief, but he did grade out positively there. Rocco Baldelli used Castro plenty in centerfield over the past two years, and it was to the teams detriment. He was a fine corner outfielder though.

Utility players are often able to play multiple spots and master none. That has been the case for Castro, but his 104 OPS+ jives with the 105 OPS+ he posted in 2023. The ability to show utility while remaining an offensive asset creates a highly usable player. Castro’s 3.3 fWAR is a career high, and surpasses the 2.5 mark he posted a year ago.

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Castro is once again arbitration eligible for Minnesota next season, and under team control through 2026. He should be in line for something like a $5 million salary. That may be too rich for a Pohlad family looking to cut costs, and would make him an appealing trade target. If not, he’ll once again be a valuable bench piece.

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