The Houston Astros are exploring opportunities to strengthen their lineup by adding left-handed balance before the trade deadline, expressing interest in switch-hitting utility player Willi Castro from the Minnesota Twins. This potential move comes as the Astros seek to address a shortage of lefty batters amidst multiple injuries in their roster.
Castro’s Strong Offensive Production and Versatility Highlighted
Now in his third consecutive season of above-average offensive output, Willi Castro has posted a 116 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) this year, demonstrated through a .254/.342/.423 slash line and 10 home runs in 331 plate appearances. This marks his best projected performance over a full season. While his career splits are fairly even from both sides of the plate, this season shows a notably higher slugging percentage as a right-handed hitter, though his left-handed performance remains solid given the sample size differences.
Even with a more modest output from the left side, Castro’s ability to hit left-handed satisfies a critical need for the Astros, who have very few lefty hitters. With Yordan Alvarez sidelined on the injured list, Houston’s active roster includes only Taylor Trammell and Jon Singleton as left-handed batters, while Victor Caratini and Cooper Hummel are switch-hitters. Despite the team’s strong overall offensive production, their collective 101 wRC+ against right-handed pitching ranks only around league average, creating an exploitable weakness for opposing pitchers.
Infield Depth and Positional Flexibility Are Key for Houston
Castro’s capacity to cover multiple positions is a major benefit as the Astros currently have nine position players on the injured list. He can provide immediate depth and versatility, filling various roles until regular players return. Astros General Manager Dana Brown commented on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM that securing a left-handed hitter capable of playing infield or left field would be especially valuable. This addition would allow Houston to shift Jose Altuve back to second base, addressing deficiencies in the infield mix.
The third base situation adds urgency, as Isaac Paredes is undergoing a second medical opinion for a hamstring strain that
“is a little bit more severe than we projected,”
according to Brown. Manager Joe Espada had previously described Paredes’ injury as “pretty serious” and did not rule out the possibility that his season could be ended prematurely. A potential surgical decision would sideline Paredes for the rest of 2025.
Minnesota Twins’ Struggles Increase Likelihood of Castro Trade
The Twins fell to the Washington Nationals 7-2, dropping to a 50-55 record and 5.5 games behind the final American League wild card position. With playoff chances diminishing, Minnesota is expected to lean toward selling assets before the deadline. As a pending free agent who fits trade profiles well, Castro’s versatility and switch-hitting ability make him an attractive option for contenders, especially considering his affordable contract with approximately $2.133 million remaining on a $6.4 million salary for 2025.
Financial Considerations Shape Astros’ Trade Approach
The Astros’ interest in Castro is influenced by their desire to remain under the $241 million luxury tax threshold. Current projections place Houston’s total payroll estimate around $235.5 million, leaving limited space for adding salary. Balancing roster needs caused by injuries with budget constraints will require careful maneuvering by GM Dana Brown to enhance the lineup without triggering the tax.
Implications of Adding Castro for Houston’s Season and Roster Strategy
Acquiring Willi Castro would offer the Astros much-needed left-handed hitting alongside considerable defensive flexibility, critical for a roster depleted by injury. His presence could help stabilize Houston’s lineup, especially against right-handed pitching, while allowing key players like Altuve to move back into familiar positions. As the trade deadline nears, the combination of Castro’s performance, positional adaptability, and affordable cost positions him as a potentially significant addition for the Astros’ pursuit of postseason success.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Willi Castro married?
A. His mix of abilities, self-assurance, and increasing maturity signals that he might excel once games restart. The two shortstops are now family, connected as brothers-in-law because Castro married Rosario’s sister, Aniana.