The Phillies have claimed infielder/outfielder Diego Castillo off waivers from the Yankees, per announcements from both clubs. The Yanks designated him for assignment a week ago. The Phils now have a full 40-man roster after this move.
Castillo, 26, spent 2023 with the Diamondbacks but has been on the roster carousel so far this year. Since the calendar flipped to 2024, he’s been claimed by the Mets, Yankees and now Phillies. That’s likely a reflection of the fact that he has some intriguing characteristics, enough to get claimed, but not enough to hold a roster spot.
He generally does a pretty good job of getting on base, but without much power. He also has a bit of speed, some defensive versatility and one option year remaining. With the Snakes in 2023, he only got into one major league game but took 556 plate appearances at the Triple-A level. He drew a walk in 17.4% of those and was only punched out at a 14.2% clip. He only hit three home runs in that time but his .313/.431/.410 batting line still amounted to a wRC+ of 117, even in the hitter-friendly environs of the Pacific Coast League.
He also stole 13 bases and bounced around the diamond, lining up at the three infield positions to the left of first base as well as left field. In past seasons, he’s played a bit of first base and right field, in addition to some brief mop-up duty on the mound.
For the Phils, Castillo can provide them with some depth all over the diamond, alongside other multi-positional guys like Kody Clemens, Rodolfo Castro and Weston Wilson. The major league bench projects to feature Garrett Stubbs as a backup catcher with players like Edmundo Sosa, Cristian Pache and Jake Cave filling out the final few spots. Those final three names are all out of options, which could give them a leg up in earning a roster spot to start the year.
But injuries will inevitably pop up throughout the season and perhaps open opportunities for Castillo or some of the club’s other depth players. But also, given the way this year is going for Castillo, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him back on the waiver wire shortly.
What is the record for claims and DFAs for one person in an off-season? I think Castillo is well on his way.
I think Lewin Diaz has him beat from last years off-season.
In recent memory, Lewin Diaz had a few more than Castillo.
Believe it or not, I think he’s only (or even less than) halfway there.. We’ve seen a couple of cases in recent years where someone was DFA’d six or seven times in one off season.
Dang. Where can the Yankees pick up another .168 hitter? I know, from their own farm system!!!
Tony Kemp is available.
I was almost excited that Diego Castillo would reunite with Jose Alvarado in the Phillies bullpen, but then I realized that this is a different Diego Castillo.
Nick maton(who Phillies fans think is good) was DFA today as well
I agree with those fans, he’s a betteroption than Cave since a LH bat is a reqiorement…. Phils could really use Maton back on the bench.
I’d take Cave.
Nick Maton is not good but he has some versatility but now you have Castillo and Weston Wilson probably battling for the final bench spot so no need for Maton
My hope is that the bench consists of a catcher, Sosa, Maton and Wilson. Wilson and Maton play all over the diamond. One a LH and the other RH. Love the fact that you give Wilson his props!
Castillo, who hits RH, has some intriguing minors stats, should be in AAA w/ that Castro fellow. This way Cotham can get a decent looksee.
They are not going to pick Nick Maton up. Especially the way he acted last year. The bench will be…
Garret Stubbs
E Sosa
J Cave
C Pache
And the final spot either going to this new kid or Weston Wilson. Not a good bench.
Cave shouldn’t be on the team. Castillo will be lucky to be on the 40 man roster by the end of next week, let alone make the team out of Spring Training. I really don’t understand the signing when they’re still trying to add a closer, outfielder, and starter. I’d prefer Nick Maton over Castillo or Cave.
Hey why not! Need to make Johan Rojas uncomfortable so he learns how to bunt, if the dude can learn to bunt all the crap I’ve talked gets thrown back in my face because facts are Rojas is that good of a defender in CF. So anything to get this guy motivated is welcomed. I don’t think that this is that move but hey you never know and neither do I. The kid might not lack in work ethic and motivation as is.
Rojas was just about the first guy after the season to work on a plan with Kevin Long and the minor league hitting coordinator, and got to work earlier than just about anyone. At HIS request.
If you had seen him early on in his minor league career, you would see how much progress that he has already made on the hit tool. Granted, there is a ways to go, but the rest of the toolbox is already pretty terrific. So if he can manage to become a major league capable hitter then the Phils are really on to something.
Questioning a guys work ethic and motivation from your worn out old armchair is usually kinda’ pathetic.
Thank you carver, not sure if that guy is one of the many new troll(s) we seem to have on here? Didn’t recognize his name, so did not want to engage.
Anyone that chooses to use a moniker such as his Bob Evans nonsense is either 9 years old, or simply an older idiot. But yeah – I almost always regret even briefly engaging with the morons, however sometimes I just can’t resist.
I rarely spend time in the comments section due to the preponderance of trolls. The downside is missing out on a number of very good posters such as yourself. But until there is a way to clean these places up, it simply is not worth the energy and time to wade through the muck.
Goodbye Atlanta. Thanks for playing.
Where in the world is ” Diego Castillo?”
KBO eventually (not that there is anything wrong with that) 🙂
Not much of an assest for a major league roster. Looks to be a minor league utility player. No real pop or extra base power. Does not steal too much. Batting average in minors had been going down hill for years. Phil’s don’t need a no hit off the bench player.
After sight seeing in Philly for a week, he is DFA again and lands in Washington. Mets, Braves, Phillies, and Nationals before going to the Marlins in the summer.
Should keep this guy instead of Kody Clemens and his tiny face, big head looking ass
i’d rather have Clemens than Cave.
Seriously??? He hit .000 last season….kidding. This player is super interesting. Totally changed his approach at the plate last season apparently. I could see this guy being a utility player.
DD bringing back Dom Brown next