Former Detroit Tigers super utility player Willi Castro has transitioned to the National League after being traded to the Chicago Cubs ahead of the MLB trade deadline. This marks a significant career shift for Castro, who spent the past three seasons with the Minnesota Twins following his time with the Tigers.
During his tenure with the Twins, Castro became a key player and achieved All-Star status in 2024, showcasing his potential with impressive stats. He was traded to the Cubs in exchange for prospects Ryan Gallagher and Sam Armstrong, amid a larger roster shake-up for the Twins.
Castro initially began his MLB journey with the Tigers, who acquired him from Cleveland in 2018. He made an immediate impact, debuting later that year and proving himself as a versatile player capable of performing in multiple positions, including shortstop, various outfield spots, and other infield roles. Throughout his time with Detroit, he recorded 24 home runs and 101 RBIs over 303 games.
After being non-tendered in November 2022, Castro signed a minor-league deal with the Twins and enjoyed a career year in 2023. He capitalized on his playing time, hitting .257 and achieving a personal best with 33 stolen bases. Following a successful All-Star season in 2024, where he set career highs in several offensive categories, Castro continues to impress with his power and versatility, including 10 home runs in 86 games of the current season.
Now with the Cubs amid their playoff push, Castro’s role as an ultra utility player is likely to present him with ample opportunities to contribute as they seek to secure a strong postseason position. His adaptability and speed on the bases will be crucial assets for the team.
This news serves as a reminder of Castro’s growth and potential in the league, and fans can look forward to seeing how he performs in this new chapter of his career.