Middle infielder Starlin Castro has collected four All-Star appearances, 1,280 hits and a rich contract since he made his major league debut in 2010. It’s fair to say Castro has lived pretty well during his big league tenure, then, though team success has been difficult to come by for the 27-year-old.
Castro spent the first six years of his career with the Cubs, who only went to the playoffs once during that span. That season, 2015, proved to be Castro’s last in Chicago, which traded him to the Yankees during the ensuing winter. Less than a year later, Wrigleyville celebrated its first World Series title in 108 years.
The Yankees didn’t qualify for the playoffs in Castro’s first year in the Bronx, but they bounced back to play deep into October last season and take the eventual champion Astros to seven games in the ALCS. That looked like the beginning of what could be a long run of success for the talent-packed Yankees, but it was also the end of Castro’s run with them.
Not only did the Yankees trade Castro after the season, dealing him and two prospects to the Marlins for 2017 NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton, but they sent him to a team that hasn’t won in years and won’t in the near future. The Stanton trade was primarily a payroll-cutting move by Miami, which later shipped fellow star outfielder Marcell Ozuna to the Cardinals. Now in the early stages of an extensive rebuild, the Marlins’ already lengthy playoff drought (14 years) is likely to drag on for at least a few more seasons.
Castro, having had his fill of losing, would reportedly like to leave the Marlins before ever taking the field as a member of the franchise. With a guaranteed $22MM left on his contract through 2019, his only hope of escaping the Marlins in the near term is via trade. It’s unclear whether the Marlins are interested in dealing him, but it stands to reason they’re open to it, given that slashing costs seems to be the main motivation of neophyte owners Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter right now.
The trouble is that obvious fits for Castro, a longtime shortstop who lined up exclusively at second base as a Yankee, are hard to find. His All-Star nods notwithstanding, Castro has been more of an average player than a high-impact one in the majors, having slashed .282/.320/.413 (97 wRC+, 98 OPS+) and totaled 14.2 fWAR/13.5 rWAR across 4,847 plate appearances. His contract offers little to no surplus value, then, and there simply isn’t much league-wide demand right now at either short or second (where similarly valuable players in Eduardo Nunez and Neil Walker are still free agents).
Signs seem to point to Castro opening 2018 with the Marlins, but we’ll run it down team by team and try to find an ideal club for him, beginning with last year’s playoff qualifiers:
Astros – Five words: Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa.
Cubs – With Addison Reed, Javier Baez, Ian Happ and Ben Zobrist in the fold, a Castro-Cubs reunion isn’t happening.
Diamondbacks – Castro would be the most proven middle infielder on the Diamondbacks’ roster, but they still have enough acceptable options with potential breakout player Ketel Marte, Brandon Drury, Chris Owings and Daniel Descalso on hand. The D-backs have pushed to acquire shortstop Manny Machado from the Orioles this winter, though he’s a transcendent player who’d greatly improve their chances of returning to the playoffs in 2018. Castro isn’t in that class.
Dodgers – The great Corey Seager occupies short, but the Dodgers could do better than Logan Forsythe at second. Castro’s hardly a slam-dunk upgrade over Forsythe, though, and his salary would be problematic for a Dodgers team trying to stay under the $197MM competitive balance tax figure.
Indians – The Tribe’s not in position to pick up Castro’s money, nor does it need to, with Jason Kipnis and Jose Ramirez as its primary second base options and Francisco Lindor at short.
Red Sox – Boston has also shown interest in acquiring Machado, but he’s more of a luxury than a necessity for the back-to-back AL East champs. The Red Sox are fine at shortstop with Xander Bogaerts, after all. They could perhaps use a second baseman to fill in for Dustin Pedroia, whose offseason knee surgery will keep him on the shelf for some of 2018. Castro doesn’t make sense for the BoSox, however, as a healthy Pedroia will relegate his replacement to the bench or a utility role.
Nationals – Few teams are in better shape up the middle than the Nationals, who boast Daniel Murphy at second and Trea Turner at short.
Rockies – There’s nothing to suggest the Rox are dissatisfied with the cost-effective duo of second baseman D.J. LeMahieu and shortstop Trevor Story.
Twins – Minnesota has a much better second baseman than Castro in Brian Dozier. Elsewhere, the Twins aren’t going to move 24-year-old Jorge Polanco off shortstop for Castro – who hasn’t played the position since 2015.
Yankees – Over a month since acquiring Stanton, the Yankees still haven’t replaced Castro with an established second baseman to complement shortstop Didi Gregorius. Whether they’re all that interested in doing so is unclear, given the presence of elite prospect Gleyber Torres. Even if the Yankees don’t think the 21-year-old Torres is quite ready, and even if they like Castro enough to attempt to re-acquire him, financial concerns could stand in the way. The Bombers parted with Castro to help balance out money in the Stanton trade and keep them under the $197MM tax number in 2018. Staying south of that figure continues to be one of the Yankees’ driving forces, so the Marlins would likely have to swallow some of Castro’s money in a trade to make a reunion possible.
As for non-playoff teams from 2017 that may hope to contend this year. . .
Angels – The Halos already traded for veteran second baseman Ian Kinsler this winter, and they have all-world shortstop Andrelton Simmons.
Athletics – The A’s have been open to trading second baseman Jed Lowrie this offseason, though dealing him just to turn around and get Castro wouldn’t seem to make sense. Rather, a Lowrie trade would likely open the door for a Franklin Barreto–Marcus Semien double-play tandem.
Blue Jays – On paper, Castro may have been a fit for Toronto at the outset of the offseason. However, the Jays have since addressed their middle infield by acquiring Aledmys Diaz and Yangervis Solarte – two players capable of holding the reins if injury issues once again beset Troy Tulowitzki and Devon Travis.
Braves – The presences of middle-infield building blocks Ozzie Albies and Dansby Swanson rule out a Castro acquisition.
Brewers – There might be a match here. The Brewers do have second base-capable veterans in Jonathan Villar, Eric Sogard and Hernan Perez, but only Sogard had a decent 2017 at the plate. Although, if the Brewers do pick up another vet for the keystone, they could opt to re-sign Walker – who thrived with them late last season after coming over in a trade – instead of swinging a trade for Castro.
Cardinals – If the Cards are going to trade for an infielder this winter, it’s likely to be a corner player who provides an impact bat. That’s not Castro, who wouldn’t be a clear upgrade over second baseman Kolten Wong or shortstop Paul DeJong.
Giants – San Francisco’s another team without a need in the middle infield, where it starts Joe Panik (second) and Brandon Crawford (short).
Mariners – Unless trade-happy GM Jerry Dipoto acquires Castro to play the corner outfield (you never know), he won’t end up in Seattle. The Mariners are set all across the infield.
Mets – As with the Brewers, the Mets are prospective contenders who could stand to improve their situation at second. While New York has been in the market for aid at the position this offseason, multiple reports have suggested it has no interest in Castro.
Orioles – The O’s are in enviable shape at second with Jonathan Schoop, and they’ll go with Machado (if he’s still on their roster) or Tim Beckham at short.
Phillies – Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez has been an oft-speculated trade candidate for a couple years. He’s superior to Castro, though, and even if the Phillies do move Hernandez, they’d likely replace him with prospect Scott Kingery. At short, they’ve given the keys to J.P. Crawford.
Rangers – There won’t be a Castro pickup for the Rangers, who have the well-compensated tandem of Rougned Odor (second) and Elvis Andrus (short) in starting roles.
Rays – Castro may well be better than all of the Rays’ current middle infielders, Adeiny Hechavarria, Brad Miller, Matt Duffy and Joey Wendle. The problem is that Tampa Bay is aiming to reduce payroll, which makes a Castro acquisition look highly unlikely. They also have one of the premier middle infield prospects in baseball, shortstop Willy Adames, nearing the majors.
Beyond the aforementioned clubs, we’re left with the Royals, Tigers, White Sox, Padres, Reds and Pirates. Like Miami, both Kansas City and Detroit look to be in the early stages of a rebuild, which should stamp out any potential of a Castro pickup. The AL Central rival White Sox don’t figure to contend in 2018 either, and they’re certainly not going to displace either of second baseman Yoan Moncada or shortstop Tim Anderson. The Padres also have no shortage of big league middle infielders, even after trading away Solarte, with Cory Spangenberg, Carlos Asuaje and the recently acquired Freddy Galvis in the mix. The same goes for the Reds (Scooter Gennett, Jose Peraza, Dilson Herrera and Nick Senzel). The Pirates, whose Gerrit Cole trade on Saturday may signal the start of a rebuild, have plenty of options themselves (Josh Harrison, Jordy Mercer, Adam Frazier and Sean Rodriguez). They could trade Harrison, but they wouldn’t do so in order to make room for the similarly expensive Castro.
Unfortunately for Castro, this doesn’t appear to be the right time for a roughly average second baseman who’s not cheap to push for a trade to a contending club. Teams like the Yankees, Brewers and Mets could certainly improve their second base situations by Opening Day, though none are clean fits for Castro. As such, he may have to at least begin the season in Miami, where a strong few months could potentially boost his trade value and lead to a deal by the summertime.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Let him suffer Muahhahaha
Cubs should be Addison Russell not reed
Cubs should be Addison Russell
Castro ll be with the yankees at spring training …
Yankees threw him in the trade to offset Stantons salary. Marlins never wanted him. Not happening.
C’mon, Jeter’s a Yankee plant according to some fans, so I’m guessing he’ll pay the Yankees and trade him back for a bucket of balls!
Castro actually a good fit for Boston. He can play 2B, SS and DH. Maybe even 3B . Has power that plays well in Fenway. Pedroia health uncertain and they need power. His salary not prohibitive and he should not cost much in prospects
I think I speak for all Yankee fans when I say I’d love to see the Red Sox play Castro at 3B
Where Bogaerts is locked in at SS, Pedroia most likely will be back before mid May locked in at 2nd, Hanley at DH and Devers at 3rd now that they have Moreland back at 1st. He’d basically only play against lefty’s if they force Hanley to play first against lefty’s. Not a good fit at all.
Not to mention the marlins received Castro in what was essentially just a salary dump they can’t trade him as a salary dump as well they need to get something for him. Especially now that they are getting crushed by fans and the media. Makes no sense to trade him for salary dump. Don’t see it at all
If the Marlins want to rid themselves of more payroll & future obligations, they will have to include 3B Martin Prado/2B Starlin Castro in essentially swapping bad contracts.
OF Matt Kemp is owed $21.5 million in 18′ & $21.5 million in 19′ ($20 million AAV)
2B Logan Forsythe is owed $9 million in 18; ($5.125 million AAV)
The combined salary of Kemp/Forsythe is $51 million over the next two years at $25.125 million AAV in 18′
2b Starlin Castro is owed $10.857 million in 18′ $11.857 in 19′ & $16 million in 2020 or a 1 million buyout. ($12,9 AAV)
3B Martin Prado is owed $13.5 million in 18′ & $15 million in 19′ (14.25 million AAV
The combined salary of Prado/Castro is $67.214 million or *$52,214 million if 1 million opt out is used in 2020 for Castro. Combined AAV is $27 million
In this bad contract swap, Marlins can save $16.124 million off their future payroll while swapping out Prado who has virutally no market.
Castro simply has no market right now at all either especially with Eduardo Nunez & Neil Walker still avaialable as FA’s.
With no market the Marlins could probably wait til the Trade Deadline for Castro & Prado? Highly doubtful, look what happened to Cozart at last years trade deadline, But what if Prado gets hurt again or Castro gets injured before then? No value.
Kemp virtually has no value for any NL club, with DH in the AL as his only real option, but with his bad clubhouse reputation he probably has no value to any team.
Prado’s value will be as a bench/utility player.
Castro has value but no market plus is equal to Forsythe. Forsythe better defensively while Castro has more offensive upside.
While the Marlins would pay slightly more in salary for 18′ they are actually a couple million lower in AAV and they can further get under 90 million and save 16 million in future commitments long term
Thoughts?
AAV doesn’t matter to the Marlins, only to the teams that are close or over the luxury tax.
The Marlins save zero. They pay Kemp $21.75 million for 2 seasons and Forsythe $8.5 million. $43.5 million + $8.5 million for a total of $52 million. Castro is making $22 million.
The Marlins are not looking to swap bad contracts, they are looking to lower payroll while getting useful prospects or controllable players. Neither Kemp nor Forsythe are prospects or controllable long-term.
This article points to Castro not having a market right now, who can they trade him to for prospects or controllable long term players?
NADA, ZILCH, ZERO……and if he gets hurt or doesn’t put up solid numbers by the trade deadline, Castro will be another bad contract for Marlins like Martin Prado
Take a breath !
How is Castro a bad contract? He appears to have $6-7M a year in surplus value.
His example listed a Prado/Castro combination.
Prado has $28.5 Mil left on his contract, bringing the numbers incredibly close to an “even swap”. I think the Marlins end up paying $1.5 million more in the deal.
They won’t do that. Castro is probably the backup to Riddle at SS. Maybe Riddle gets hurt again and Castro gets SS eligibility again? LOL
The reason you trade Starlin Castro is simple, to save more money long term, like they did with Stanton. There is no market for Castro anyway to trade him.
The Marlins would not save money by taking on Kemp and Forsythe unless the Dodgers send more than $30 million.
$52 million for Kemp and Forsythe over 2 seasons and $22 million for Castro over 2 seasons.
Well of course the Marlins wouldn;t just send Castro if they are going to take Kemp. They will be sending an equally bad contract back to the Dodgers, which is Martin Prado and his 28.5 million albatross of a contract. + Castros 38 million contract (He has an option yr in 2020 worth 16 million that you are not accounting for.) Marlins either save 18 million or 2 million while AAV goes down for Marlins this yr and next.
52 million for Kemp/Forsythe & 68 million for Castro/Prado (if team uses opt out on Castro in 2020, then the total salary is 5o million)
Its trading bad contracts while they both can use serviceable 2nd basemen Forsythe and Castro
I think the Brewers would be the best fit. Maybe the Mets, but they won’t spend that money!
This is assuming that a 33 almost 34 year old Pedroia come May comes back in normal form. I love Pedy to death and it kills me to say it but when you list elite 2B in MLB Pedroias name is falling down that list quickly. The Sox used to have Holt but since his eye problems he hasn’t been the same guy. Marco Hernandez is an unappealing season long option, even if he’s fine for a fill in. He could give Bogy a day off when needed. If Pedroia needs extra rest coming back you’re protected.
I just don’t like going with the assumption that Pedroia will come back and hit .280 and be a doubles machine. I’d rather assume the worst, be surprised, and then trade Castro for a bag of balls at the deadline if you don’t need him to someone who has an injury at 2B.
Obviously, Pedroia is a worse option than Castro by any measure, inc. his horrible contract. For that reason, he has an immovable contract.
Given his recent injury history I have to agree. I really felt Howie Kendrick was a perfect match for BOS as he could have affordably manned 2B as long as needed in Pedroia’s absence and fill in at 3B and OF as needed. Nunez is still available and would provide the same type of flexibility but at a higher price than Kendrick who just returned to the Nats. Castro remains a possibility as long as MIA isn’t ridiculous in their asking price.
Trader Dave had his allowance taken away. John Henry is just starting to realize the stupidity of the Price contract and how it will tie up so much for so long.
Maybe Red Sox should target Chase Utley?
If the Mets were willing to take on $22M I think they’d just sign Frazier and shift Asdrubal to 2B. They won’t, but they could.
They can’t do anything where they spend more than minimum average salary like the AG contract. Of the Dodgers release kemp he will be playing at ChitiField
I think the fact that we traded Max Schrock should tell everyone what they need to know about our future second base situation.
I’m not being sarcastic, I don’t understand what WSN trading minor league 2B Max Schrock to OAK means?
I think he’s traded in-season.
As Dee Gorden’s possible replacement at 2B, I wonder if he has the capability to follow in Gordon’s footsteps and become an outfielder for a potential trade partner – maybe a corner OF instead of a CF.. Thoughts anyone?
I would agree. His bat has always been there. He will at least be better than Hanley in the outfield. Now this article must be redone to search for teams who needs a corner outfielder.
No way. Watching this guy last year, he was a liability at second. I just don’t see him having the type of speed or range to cut it in the outfield.
That’s what I was wondering – does he have enough foot-speed and throwing-arm POTENTIAL – to LEARN to play a corner outfield position. I was not proposing that he DOES have that potential, I was ASKING if he does have it – because I don’t know much about him….
Would anyone else care to enlighten me… in addition to Nyy5102’s and andrewgauldin’s (thank you both) take on the question?
He does not run well.
Thanks bernbaby.
Every team might lose a infielder during spring training so Castro could be traded
Castro to the Brewers, D-Backs,,Padres, are all good fits for him.
How is Castro a match with the Brewers when the have the #3 & #4 best prospects at 2b in baseball with Keston Hiura & Isan Diaz?
Kind of wish now that the Dodgers had not sent Willie Calhoun for Darvish as he is the games #2 overall best 2b prospect. Oh well, still want Yu re-signed with the Dodgers
Calhoun isn’t a 2B. The majority of scouts feel he is DH or LF only.
Willie Calhoun is too fat to play IF.
Johnny Peralta and Pablo Sandoval say hello
Dbacks infield is set and full
Dodgers should send Kemp, Forsyth and $ for Castro and a low end Ml. Fish need a big bat, and if he is paid for, why not through Kemp in that huge OF for a year?
Kemp is making $43.5 million in 2018-2019 and Forsythe $8.5 million in 2018. Unless the Dodgers are sending $40 million, that trade won’t work. The Marlins won’t be taking on salary in any trade.
The Marlins would actually be saving 16 million overall and lower their AAV in 18′ from $26.2 million to $25.125 milion & lower AAV in 19′ from $26,2 million to $20 million if they trade Castro/Prado for Kemp/Forsythe.
How are they taking on salary? They will have a lower AAV for their payroll to be under $90 million this year and have lower payroll next year as well
Let’s back up a bit. The first and foremost thing is that to an NL team, Kemp is not worth having on the Marlins. A negative WAR means anyone can replace him and provide the same value.
2nd, the Marlins don’t care about AAV. Only teams that are close to or over the luxury tax care.
If it was just about 2018, then the Dodger’s would have to send close to $20 million along with Forsythe and Kemp just for that year to keep the Marlins from taking on money in the deal.
Kemp will make $21.75 million and Forsythe $8.5 million. $30.25 million total. Castro will make $10.857.
Then you have the $21.75 million for Kemp in 2019 vs $11.857 million for Castro.
So for the Marlins to break even on the trade in salaries, the Dodgers would have to send $30 million. Since they are not doing this to break even on salary, the Dodgers would have to send more money to make it worth the Marlins while.
That trade does not make sense for either side.
Dude what do you not understand about the Marlins sending CASTRO AND PRADO FOR KEMP AND FORSYTHE?!
Here, let me tell you in chinese, CASTRO & PRADO FOR KEMP & FORSYTHE
If you want to talk real money and not AAV then the Marlins will pay about 5 million more in 18′ but save 7 million in 19′ So its a wash. hence TRADING BAD CONTRACTS OF EQUAL VALUE,, but if Castros option is picked up in 2020 then it isnt; a wash because the Marlins are actually saving that 16 million on the option. Hence saved 18 million instead of 2 million CAPEECH?
Who gives a crap about WAR really? Martin Prado has a career WAR of 29, while Kemp has 20.5. Kemps money dwarfs Prado’s career earnings.
Kemp came in second for NL MVP, tell me teams wouldn;t have wanted Kemp over Prado?
Screw WAR
As I have mentioned before, Starlin Castro would be a great fit on the White Sox to play 3B and add another solid bat to their lineup. He would join recently signed free agent catcher Wellington Castillo as a former Cub who also played under Rick Renteria on the North Side back in 2014. Castro actually thrived under Renteria after struggling mightily with previous Cub manager Dale Sveum.
Castro’s remaining two years on his contract plus a team option for 2020 would coincide with the deal the White Sox recently gave to free agent catcher Castillo. Each player would bridge the gap to two top White Sox prospects, catcher Zack Collins and third baseman Jake Burger, who are each expected to be ready for prime time in 2-3 years.
I love how everyone thinks a second baseman can just move to third no problem. All the numbers show he was an average or below average second baseman. Why would he be any better at 3rd, a position he has never played before?
Perhaps because Castro is a below average MLB defensive middle infielder as you have already alluded to. He also happens to be a gifted athlete with a plus bat.
One of the reasons that Castro has failed to live up to his defensive potential at SS and 2B has been attributed to his lack of baseball instinct/focus. To play a middle infield position effectively takes more thought and mental preparation while 3B is more reactionary.
There was speculation in NY that Castro might have competed for the 3B job had he not been dealt in the Giancarlo Stanton trade. It would be less risky for a rebuilding team like the White Sox to gamble with a position move for Castro.
Castro had a rebound season under current White Sox manager Rick Renteria back in 2014 when he skippered the Cubs. I can easily envision the White Sox adding Castro in a trade to bolster their lineup while also improving Castro’s stock as an MLB player. After all, the 3B options for the White Sox as I post consist ot Yolmer Sanchez, Tyler Saladino and Matt Davidson. The first two can play some defense but hardly profile at the hot corner with their bat. The latter struggles defensively and is more likely to be a contributor at the DH position on the South Side.
I would like the Jays to pick up Castro and Yelich for a package that headlines Bo Bichette and includes Travis and Pillar and other prospects to the Marlins. The Jays could then sign Lorenzo Cain and that would make them competitive for the next 3 years. Guerrero is the only untouchable.
throw him in on a trade to the cardinals with yelich
What do the Long Island Ducks have to trade? Do they have a couple of pitchers who can come out of the pen and lose games that were comfortably won and get the Marlins the first pick in the draft?
Castro, Bour and Yelich deal for Wong, Voit, Pham and a young arm.
This trade is wildly lopsided. The Marlins should have to throw in a top 100 prospect as well.
Backwards. That’s a great deal for Cards. Not even sure Marlins would have to include Castro.
I agree you would get the centerfielder of the future a good first baseman and not to mention get rid of Wong who I feel is the cancer of the locker room. Voit has no place to go, Pham would be a cheap short term option for the Marlins and they can always use pitching.
I was being facetious. That package doesn’t even get Bour imo.
If Voit (a 1B…)”has no place to go”……..Where does Bour (a 1B….) play???
Wtf?!!! It’s Wildly lopsided for the Cardinals. Why would the Marlins need to throw in a top 100 prospect?? LOL
Remember the days when there were mega deals? 8-10-12 man trades? The Mets, Marlins, and Indians about a decade ago. The Mets, Brewers, and Rockies about 5-6 years before that? The Astros-Padres trade back in the mid-90’s?
We need an exciting trade like those ones!
Come on Preller. You are the rockstar. Make a rockstar, mega-trade. Be a real player.
Yelich, Castro, Prado, Tazawa, and Straily for Headley, Renfroe, Jankowski, Spangenberg, Rea, Lauer, Nix and cash.
Make this frigid offseason a stove on fire!
Yelich, Castro Straily for Headley, Renfroe, Spangenberg, Lauer, and Lockett
There you go. That’s the spirit.
Preller is a rock star? How did that fantasy “rock star” team he put together a few years ago work out? Not too good!
I remember those mega deals you were talking about, especially the Astros and Padres deal. Mets picked up Mike Piazza.. It would be interesting in some cases but I think GM’s have a different structure now..an analytical approach that values players differently, especially in minor league development. I don’t think we will see those kinds of deals in this current trend, sadly. Now..a team like the Ray’s… Give up Archer, Kiermaier, maybe Dan Jennings and another guy for 7 or 8 players if the team getting Archer etc were to pick up the salary tab on players, then sure. Something like that but I just don’t see those kinds of mega deals anymore. Not when you can get 4 players for Archer out of one system and get 4 good players for Kiermaier from a different system… Go as high as they can go on the return is a big reasoning when it comes to controllable assets and years, war value, et etc..
Great trade offer Outinleftfield!! Only thing that would make it fair for both sides would be if the Marlins also send Realmuto and cash to pay off Yelichs, Prado and Tazawa’s contracts.
No way Nunez is a “simiar” player. No way. And I’ve long felt he is a slam dunk perfect fit on the Met’s and I think he would play quite well there. People are constantly low on Castro. The dude is a solid hitter who hits for average and plays from my eye test, a slightly above average defense, so I don’t understand the constant dumping on this guy….I mean he is an All Star
Castro is a decent hitter but he is -6 DRS as a defender, not good
At least Forsythe is a +5 DRS as a defender
Castro is a garbage hitter. If it’s garbage time his bat is ready to do damage, if it’s still a game he’s an out. Look at his postseason numbers and notice that it’s not a small sample and it’s consistent.
The Yankees couldn’t wait to get rid of Castro just as the Cubs were so happy to ship him off to New York.
why the Mets ?…please share some love for Wilmer Flores a really potential breakout bat
While Flores probably does deserve a chance to be everyday 2b, the Mets aren’t the right team for that, they have so many question marks that Flores is needed as a back up option.
Just think how good the Rangers infield would be with Castro at second base. Get rid of Odor and his contract and sign Castro. Just think about this Beltre at third,Elvis at short , Castro at second and Gallo at first. And sign a tip line catcher. That infield would a awesome fit for the Rangers.
That’s what I was wondering – does he have enough foot-speed and throwing-arm POTENTIAL – to LEARN to play a corner outfield position. I was not proposing that he DOES have that potential, I was ASKING if he does have it – because I don’t know much about him….
Would anyone else care to enlighten me… in addition to Nyy5102’s and andrewgauldin’s (thank you both) take on the question?
Castro couldn’t make it as a 2b man
On a team that could carry him. He makes cano look awake. He’s a washed up 28 year old has been
.300/.338/.454 is pretty good for. MI
HAS BEEN an all star four times, incl. last season..
I can see Toronto possibly trying to swing a deal. They have had some interest in Yellich, as well. Castro and Yellich and Toronto taking on a significant salary portion, which – Toronto’s GM has stated they would move Bichette or Guerrero in the right deal, which would ultimately be part of the cost. Yellich and Castro, plus yellichs contract and part of Castro’s money to the blue Jays, for Pillar, Bichette, a young back end rotation piece and 2 other top 10 prospects, I would think would be enough, with salary changing hands. Yanks gave up 3 top 10 prospects for Sonny gray..young and controllable.. Pillar would be a good building piece in Miami, who carries his own trade value in case Miami wants to flip him somewhere too.
Everyone who isn’t an active player, Pete Rose, or a steroid user with 3,000 hits has been enshrined in the hall of fame.
I’m really interested to see how players like Elvis Andus, Nick Markakis, and Starlin Castro will be handled if they reach that number. None of the three at this point will have much hardware to show for themselves aside from incredibly consistent careers.
If all of them stay healthy and get playing time they should reach that goal, otherwise we’re seeing players like Vizquel and Damon with around 2800 hits not getting any consideration.
That said, Castro’s defense is his downfall obviously. but he is only 27. I hope that Martin Prado, an experienced hispanic infielder with great leadership, could perhaps help him improve that factor of his game should he stay in Miami. So far in his career he’s played with very young teams exclusively yet has been offensively very consistent. I have a hard time writing him off as reaching him ceiling already.
Addison Reed is the Cubs secret weapon in the year 2038. He only plays T Ball right now and blocked for another 18 years but he is batting 600 with 80 home runs and a 1800 obp and in 2nd grade T Ball.
The team in most desperate need of a SS is Miami.. Castro would double the production of JT Riddle or Miguel Rojas. Castro at short and the tandem of Dietrich and Rojas at 2b is the best Miami option at this point.
Nice work Connor Byrne. That took allot of effort to evaluate all teams.
Whos gonna won the World Series this year?
I like the Indians.
The cubs traded him because he was the 4th best SS in their system.
I disagree that Castro is not a fit in Boston. As a huge Pedroia fan and someone that always has and continues to believe his grit and determination will get him back in form, it’s hard to say this. Pedroia isn’t getting younger. He’s on the wrong side of his prime. He’s dealt with a lot of injuries including the wrist that seemed to sap just enough of his bat speed to knock him down a peg. There’s going to be one of these injuries he just doesn’t come back from. He doesn’t have size and power to make up for the loss in bat speed as he ages. Castro would be a great fill-in for now and an insurance policy that guarantees the Sox at least some stability on that side of the infield given the ups and downs of Hanley and Moreland. He’s also able if necessary to fill in should Bogy get hurt or just to give Bogy a day off. It’s not hard to see a situation where Castro would play 120 games in Boston.
The Sox never seem to do enough to protect against losing Pedroia, and as he enters his mid-30s it’s time to make a change in that mindset. It’s not like Holt is the answer anymore.
I believe BoSox are hoping that speedy Tzu-Wei Lin, who can play all positions well except for C, becomes super-sub.
We spend all this time thinking about this… and then realize we’re talking about Starlin freekin Castro. Kind of a waste of energy for a guy who as we’ve seen can barely displace starters on most teams.