The Twins traded Willi Castro to the Chicago Cubs as part of the team's trade deadline fire sale on July 31. In exchange for the star utilityman, Minnesota received Double-A pitchers Ryan Gallagher and Sam Armstrong.
Since the Twins' current product on the field is failing to provide consistent excitement, let's check in on how Castro is doing with the Cubs, who hold the top National League Wild Card spot ahead of the San Diego Padres and New York Mets.
How is former Twins utilityman Willi Castro doing with the Chicago Cubs three weeks after Minnesota's trade deadline fire sale?
Castro hasn't been great since joining Chicago, posting -0.4 bWAR with a .425 OPS in 40 plate appearances. He went 2-for-4 with a triple in his first game as a Cub, but has since then gone 4-for-36.
Some positivity today?
— Greg Zumach (@IvyFutures) August 2, 2025
Willi Castro is a ton of fun and a perfect fit for the Cubs
pic.twitter.com/NsdNxcsuiY
Castro hasn't been playing every day with the Cubs, which may be impacting his ability to perform to the best of his abilities. However, Castro regressed significantly following the All-Star break last season, so Castro may just tend to cool down during the second half of the season.
Although Castro hasn't given the Cubs the value they wanted when they traded for him, the utilityman has at least provided Chicago with flexibility defensively. So far, Castro has played every position with the Cubs besides shortstop, first base, catcher and pitcher.
Former Twin Willi Castro plays hero during Cubs' doubleheader against Brewers
Castro put his struggles behind him during the Cubs' doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, hitting a three-run home run, his first homer as a Cub, to help Chicago win 6-4 in Game 1.
Willi Castro blasts his first homer since joining the @Cubs! 💥 pic.twitter.com/OD6PcyXnNe
— MLB (@MLB) August 19, 2025
In Game 2 of the doubleheader, Castro entered off the bench in the sixth inning to play right field after veteran corner-infielder Justin Turner pinch-hit for rookie outfielder Owen Cassie. With the Cubs winning 4-1 and the Brewers threatening to score with runners on first and third and one out in the top of the seventh inning, Milwaukee outfielder Sal Frelick flew out to Castro, who then delivered a strong, accurate throw to home to complete the double play and escape the inning unharmed.
Willi Castro shows off his cannon 💪 pic.twitter.com/J3TPhjzzgs
— MLB (@MLB) August 20, 2025
The Cubs went on to win Game 2 by a score of 4-1, and claimed Game 3 of the series 4-3 on Wednesday. Chicago aims to complete the sweep in the final game of the four-game set, scheduled to commence at 1:20 p.m. CT on Thursday.