Miguel Castro, the versatile veteran relief pitcher, has found a new home after signing a minor league deal with the Houston Astros, according to MLB insider Ari Alexander. The deal, which includes an invite to spring training, would give Castro $1.5 million along with performance incentives. The 29-year-old right-hander has shown promising skill and the capacity to perform when and where needed. Throw in the ability to get soft contact with ground balls and Castro looks to deliver big for Houston.
Source confirms RHP Miguel Castro is a signing a deal with the Astros.
Minor league deal, with an invite to spring training.
Castro would make $1.5 million in MLB, with performance bonuses on top of that. pic.twitter.com/xSzdnlhmLL
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) December 31, 2024
Reliever Miguel Castro Signs with Astros
A Promising Reliever from the Start
Castro began his pro career with the Toronto Blue Jays’ Dominican League affiliate team, putting up promising numbers as he advanced through the farm system. He made his major league debut for the Jays in April 2015 and played 13 games for the club. Castro would finish up the year with the Colorado Rockies. Though his 2015 numbers were less than impressive, he showed enough promise for the Baltimore Orioles to sign him for the next four seasons.
Earning His Stripes
While with Baltimore, Castro would see some of his best work, appearing 183 times with an ERA of 4.06, a 0.8 average WAR, and a 1.374 WHIP, along with 190 strikeouts. The Orioles would trade Castro to the New York Mets in late August of 2020, where he would continue to deliver strong performances. 2021 was a breakout year for Castro, as he threw for a 3.45 ERA on 24 strikeouts with a WHIP of 1.294 in 69 appearances. This would facilitate a $2.62 million contract in the face of arbitration before the Mets traded Castro to the New York Yankees in early April for Joely Rodriguez. After a five-win season with the Yankees on a 4.03 ERA in 34 appearances, Castro would sign a $3.5 million one-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks with a second-year option.
Time In the Desert
The 2023 season saw Miguel Castro appear in 75 games, tying for second most in the majors. Alongside his workhorse availability, Castro went 6-6 while putting up a 4.31 ERA with 60 strikeouts and a 1.175 WHIP. Despite solid performances in 2023 that helped the Snakes make a playoff run, 2024 would see a significant drop-off in performance and ability. After dealing with an extensive injury that only allowed Castro to appear in 11 games, the Diamondbacks would go on to release him in late July.
Value Upon Value
Castro’s contract came at a discount, but the versatile relief pitcher stands to deliver in any late-inning situation. With a 32.8 hard-hit percentage and a 48.6 ground ball percentage primarily off breaking balls, Castro can keep it in the park and get outs when they count. As long as injuries don’t become an issue, look for a reliable and revitalized Miguel Castro to deliver when it matters this upcoming season.
Photo Credit: © Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
