The New York Yankees have bolstered their Minor League depth by claiming former prospect Diego Castillo off waivers from the New York Mets. Castillo, a 26-year-old infielder, was originally signed by the Yankees as an international free agent. However, he was later traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the deal that brought closer Clay Holmes to the Bronx. While Castillo has faced challenges in finding success in the MLB, with a career slash line of .205/.250/.380 across 97 games, his versatility adds value and makes him a potential option in case of injuries.
In a corresponding move, the New York Yankees have designated for assignment (DFA) Jeter Downs, another infielder they claimed off waivers this winter. This transaction suggests the Yankees are actively managing their infield options, seeking to enhance their depth with MLB-ready players.
Diego Castillo, who had been with the New York Yankees throughout his career until the 2021 Trade Deadline, was known for his impressive hit tool at the plate. However, the Yankees made the decision to trade him along with Hoy-Jun Park in exchange for Clay Holmes. In hindsight, this trade turned out to be a successful move for the Yankees, as Holmes emerged as one of the top relievers in baseball. Meanwhile, Castillo spent the entire 2022 season in Triple-A with the Arizona Diamondbacks’ organization after moving on from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
In 124 games, the right-handed hitter, Diego Castillo, posted a slash line of .313/.431/.410 with a 117 wRC+, demonstrating an ability to make contact by striking out only 14.2% of the time. Despite a low flyball rate (27.3%) resulting in only three home runs, his game power was more evident during his time with the Somerset Patriots in 2021 when he hit 11 home runs in 58 games in Double-A. Known for his versatility across the infield, the Yankees may see him as a flexible asset, although it remains uncertain whether he will be utilized as a designated for assignment (DFA) option in the future.
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