Colorado Rockies sign former Twins fan favorite Willi Castro after trade deadline departure to Cubs
The Colorado Rockies have signed former Twins utilityman Willi Castro to a two-year deal, according to ESPN's Jorge Castillo. FanSided's Robert Murray reported the former Twins fan favorite will be guaranteed $12.8 million. The Rockies have yet to announce a corresponding move, which is necessary since their 40-man roster is full.
The Twins signed Castro, 29 in April, to a minor league deal in the 2022-23 offseason after the Detroit Tigers non-tendered him. Castro immediately made a positive impact upon joining Minnesota, posting 2.6 bWAR and a .257/.339/.411 (105 OPS+) slash line with nine homers, 34 RBI and 33 stolen bases during the 2023 campaign, helping lead the Twins to the playoffs.
Castro represented the Twins in the 2024 American League All-Star Game, but second-half regression left him with a .247/.331/.385 (102 OPS+) batting line on the season. He also had career highs in homers (12) and RBI (60) that year. He started the 2025 campaign by slashing .245/.335/.407 (104 OPS+) with 10 homers and 27 RBI in 86 games with the Twins before being dealt to the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline for pitching prospects Ryan Gallagher and Sam Armstrong.
The Cubs definitely regret acquiring Castro. He had 100 plate appearances across 34 games for them, posting -0.5 bWAR and an abysmal .170/.245/.240 (42 OPS+) slash line with one home run. He appeared in two postseason games for the Cubs, but didn't receive any plate appearances.
Signing with Rockies should allow Castro to receive consistent playing time, but postseason hopes are already out the window
In early December, ESPN's Jorge Castillo reported the Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates and Rockies were interested in Castro. The Braves likely wouldn't have given Castro consistent playing time, and the Pirates have already made some key position player additions (Ryan O'Hearn, Brandon Lowe, Jhostynxon GarcĂa and Jake Mangum). Therefore, the Rockies were the best match for the former Twins utilityman.
Castro, who played all three outfield positions and every infield position except for first base last season, most likely won't be playing in the postseason in 2026. Assuming the Rockies are still rebuilding in 2027, he'll likely be dealt to another team at that season's trade deadline. The Rockies were the worst team in MLB last year, and while they have made some additions this offseason, they likely will be among the worst again next season.