The New York Mets made another depth move on Friday, claiming infielder Diego Castillo from the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team announced.
Castillo, 26, has accumulated more than 3,000 minor league plate appearances. Most of his success came in 2021 between the New York Yankees’ and Pittsburgh Pirates’ systems, when he hit 19 home runs and posted an .843 OPS in Double-A and Triple-A. He was acquired by the Pirates in late July in a trade that sent Clay Holmes to the Yankees.
FanGraphs ranked Castillo as the Pirates’ No. 17 prospect before the 2022 season. But his production took a step back that year. In 35 Triple-A games, he only hit three home runs with a .689 OPS. He debuted in the majors, posting a .633 OPS in 96 games. The Pirates designated him for assignment in the offseason, and he was traded to the Diamondbacks shortly thereafter.
Castillo had a strong 2023 season in Triple-A for the Reno Aces, batting .313 with an .841 OPS. He only got one at-bat at the major league level, however.
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At the very least, Castillo gives the Mets an positional depth option. He has versatility around the infield; he’s played most of his career innings at shortstop, with a large sample at second base as well. He’s also played some third and first base. In 2022, he added right field to his repertoire, playing more than 137 innings there at the big league level for the Pirates.
Despite a lack of big names, the Mets have been active this offseason in the depth department. Castillo is someone with very little risk attached, and some potential upside if things go well. His power stroke peaked in 2022, and he hit well in the minors last year despite his prospect stock having fallen by then. If he can get some of that power going again, he could be a nice little surprise for the Mets and compete for a bench spot on the big league team.
