The Royals announced that utilityman Harold Castro was signed to a minor league contract. The 31-year-old Castro will get an invitation to Kansas City’s big league spring camp.
Castro is no stranger to the AL Central, as he spent his entire pro career (and his first five MLB seasons) with the Tigers before joining the Rockies on a minor league deal prior to the 2023 season. He appeared in 99 games with Colorado after his contract was selected to the active roster, but Castro spent the 2024 season outside of affiliated baseball, instead suiting up with the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League.
Castro hit .320/.366/.447 over 363 plate appearances and 84 games with Tijuana, and he followed up that strong performance with even bigger numbers in the Venezuelan Winter League. This was enough to get the Royals’ attention for a camp invite, and the left-handed hitting Castro will now compete for a job on the K.C. bench.
Despite his short-lived nickname of “Hittin’ Harold” during his time in Detroit, Castro has a modest .278/.303/.366 slash line over 1485 career plate appearances at the MLB level. His career minor league numbers aren’t much better, though it is worth noting that Castro hasn’t played in the affiliated minor leagues since the 2019 season. What he does bring to the table is defensive versatility, as Castro has played at every position except catcher during his time in the big leagues, with quite a bit of experience in particular at all four infield spots.
Kansas City, if anything, might have more than infield depth already, given how one of Jonathan India or Michael Massey could find themselves in left field when they aren’t at second base or designated hitter. The Royals also recently signed Cavan Biggio to a minors deal, so both Castro and Biggio figure to be competing for the same roster spot as a left-handed hitting utilityman. Incumbent third baseman Maikel Garcia swings from the right side and hasn’t produced much at the plate, so third base stands as a logical platoon area for Castro (or Biggio) to carve out a niche for playing time.
He was a great bat off the bench for Detroit. Good clutch hitter. Not enough power for a starting role. Nice depth.
Singles hitters get no respect…
Not many play the game like they used to. It’s turned into a boring hr derby with arrogant trots.
Its the bat flip and trots that impresses the kids now….
They seem to honor the show of disrespect to the other guy.
Its.not.much of a team.thing anymore.
The few pitchers left that retaliate and bean the batter with a fastball the next at bat after they disrespect and don’t just run the bases are still cherished, even with baseball suspending longer than ever for it.
Harold Castro is a singles hitter who doesn’t walk. Add the bad base running and worse defense, and you can see why he spent last year in the Mexican league. At his very best, he’s a replacement level guy who can fill in for a few weeks until a better option can be found.
Harold hit it in Tijuna. Reefer madness
Always loved Singles Hittin’ Harold. Senor Clutch and a mop-up reliever when down by 8 runs.
One of my favorite Rockies from the past decade or so. Glad to see him make it back. Hopefully he can find his way to the big league roster this year.
My favorite Rockie was III. “I pity the fool!”
Loved his hitting with The Tigers….looks like he learned to take a few more BBs in the Mex League….maybe he can carry that back into the MLs?? GO HITTIN’ HAROLD!!
Castro being able to play SS/CF may give him an edge on Biggio. There is a scenario where they could both be on the bench depending how the roster of the roster shakes out
He’s brutal on D.
His defense at 2b,3b, ss and cf is horrible. A little worse than average at 1b. In very small sample sizes, he’s been average as a corner outfielder.
Hittin’ Harold is Luis Arráez minus his ability to hit.
Sort of defeats the purpose.
Yes, when he came up to bat in clutch situations, he seemed to deliver. Whether it was a base hit, or fly ball or moving the runner over.