Willi Castro is the type of player the Rockies were seeking when they began their rebuild under a new front office.
Castro, 29, is a veteran utility player who’s played primarily second base and shortstop, with spot duty at third base and in the outfield. The Puerto Rican native is a switch-hitter who has shown the ability to get on base. He can provide a spark by stealing a base.
Thursday, the free agent and the Rockies agreed to terms on a two-year, $12.8 million contract, a source confirmed. The club has not officially announced the deal. ESPN first reported the deal.
Castro’s best season was in 2023 with the Twins, who picked him up after he was non-tendered by the Tigers following the 2022 season. He signed a minor league deal with Minnesota but made the big-league roster and played in 124 games, slashing .257/.339./411, hitting nine home runs and stealing 33 bases in 38 attempts.
In 2024, he slashed .247/.331/.385 and stole 14 bases and played every position except for catcher and first base. He pitched two emergency innings.
He was having a similar season in 2025, but was part of the Twins’ fire sale at the trade deadline and was dealt to the Cubs. He played sparingly for Chicago (34 games, 110 plate appearances) and hit just .170.
This story will be updated.
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