Free agent Jason Castro was recently rumored to be holding serious talks with the Astros, but a week has passed without a reported deal. It now seems that a Houston reunion is just one of several possibilities for the veteran backstop.
It remains possible that Castro will sign on for a seventh season with the ’Stros, Robert Murray of Fansided reports on Twitter. But the re-connection “isn’t as certain as once thought,” per the tweet, with other suitors evidently circling.
Even in a slow-moving marketplace, situations can change quickly. The Cubs now have use for a part-time, left-handed-hitting receiver after dealing away Victor Caratini (with more turnover behind the dish still quite possible). And indeed the Chicago organization has “shown interest” in Castro, according to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.
It isn’t known whether any other clubs are targeting Castro at the moment, though it’s not hard to imagine wider interest. He’s obviously not the top target on the catching market, but is a solid defensive performer who’d theoretically fit in a lot of places as a platoon piece.
While Castro has turned in middling hitting performances in two of the past three seasons, he was limited in both cases to less than a hundred plate appearances (due to injury in 2018 and pandemic in 2020). In his last full campaign, in 2019, Castro turned in a sturdy .232/.332/.435 batting output in 275 plate appearances. He’s a lifetime .242/.328/.421 producer against right-handed pitching.
I feel like Anthony running through the streets of Boston because Wednesday is not only Prince Spaghetti day, it’s Jeff Todd night.
If you could, unwittingly write something to tick Chitown311 off. He’s been a real dbag this week.
Signing Castro will cost the Cubs money. All they need to do is wait and if the Jays sign a catcher (Realmuto, or a veteran back up to mentor/spell Jansen) they’ll be able to bring in a pre-arb Reese McGuire off waivers or for a propsect no one outside both organizations has ever heard of. McGuire can’t hit worth a lick (2019 hot streak notwithstanding), but was considered defensively solid throughout his minors career, and has major league experience.
In fact, I’d be happy if the Jays bring in Castro as Jansen’s defensive mentor and left-hitting complement should they not get Realmuto.
No.
Castro is not better than McGuire. Castro will be overpaid contributing nothing. Angels improved last year after they dealt him to the Padres. He’s very overrated. Hard pass. I’d rather see Springer paid $300-mil for 6 years before Castro comes to Toronto.
“sturdy” .232
LOL
His .767 OPS was technically above average, plus he is a good receiver behind the plate. so “sturdy” isn’t necessarily incorrect…
.668 OPS in 2020. If you are going to lie please do it smartly. If you think Castro can still hit .767 then he’s a starter. If you think he’s a starter you are delusional.
Sturdy is incorrect and so are you.
Still using batting average as your measuring stick eh? . . .
its not the end all be all, but usually guys hitting .232 arent hitting well. takes a lot to compensate for a AVG that low.
Wouldn’t mind Castro in Philly to platoon with Knapp if we don’t re-sign Realmuto. The latter looking less and less likely as each day passes. Castro doesn’t bring much with the stick, but his bat isn’t a wet noodle. However do like his defense and the way he handles a pitching staff. Castro/Knapp combo could produce a combined 10-15 HR and 50-60 RBIs. Not Piazza or Bench like numbers, but not bad for a C and the number eight slot in the order.
I don’t see players of this caliber being “overpayed” this year. Way too many MLB free agents will be underpaid or unsigned in favor of minor league flyers.
Cubs should sign Castro regardless of whether or not they trade Contreras. Castro is a solid backup who could have some value at the deadline – perhaps for an A ball prospect. If Contreras is traded, Castro is a veteran who can help guide a young pitching staff.
Its the holiday season so saying that it has been more than a week since the two sides were in talks without a deal could just mean that Castro, Click, or Castro’s agent could be on vacation and unavailable. Very little usually happens this time of year so its not indicative of anything.
I would be surprised to see the Cubs go after Castro. If they keep Contreras they could re-sign Phegley to be the backup or grab one of the several inexpensive backup options available. If they trade Contreras and don’t get a Catcher back 8n the deal i still don’t see them spending much on the position
This dude rakes and hits bombs.