Willi Castro has redefined the role of a utility player this season, making over 20 appearances at five different positions for the Minnesota Twins in 2024. Castro’s unprecedented defensive versatility has made history just halfway through the season.
Castro, who has played in all 84 games for the Twins so far, started at shortstop against the Seattle Mariners on Sunday. It marked his 21st appearance and 18th start at the position, filling in for Carlos Correa, who had the day off.
In addition to his time as a backup shortstop, Castro has logged 22 appearances in left field, 21 at third base, 20 at second, and 20 in center. This level of versatility is rare, and historical data supports this. According to Céspedes Family BBQ, Castro is now the first player in MLB history to appear in at least 20 games at second, third, short, center, and left in the same season. He achieved this milestone before the All-Star break, giving him the rest of the season to further build his unique resume.
Willi Castro has already become the first player in MLB history (!!!) to appear in at least 20 games at 2B, SS, 3B, CF, and LF all in the same season (and he's made 10+ starts at all 5 of those positions)
AND HE'S PITCHED TWICE
AND HE HAS A 130 OPS+
WILLI CASTRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/AfIEnFKb7d
— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) July 1, 2024
The 27-year-old has made at least 10 starts at each of these five positions. Castro has also made two appearances as a pitcher, not allowing a run, hit, or walk in 1.1 innings of work.
While Castro has accumulated -3 defensive runs saved and a -0.1 defensive WAR overall this year, these metrics don’t fully capture the flexibility he provides to Minnesota and manager Rocco Baldelli.
Beyond his defensive contributions, Castro is batting .276 with seven home runs, 27 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and an .810 OPS. His 3.1 offensive WAR ranks ninth in the American League, as do his 51 runs scored, while his 21 doubles rank fifth.
Castro is one of just 12 players in the league not to miss a game this season. Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had been on that list until he was scratched with finger injuries.
