One of the more encouraging storylines surrounding the 2024 Minnesota Twins was the continued emergence of Willi Castro as a utility-type star. The switch-hitter played in a career-high 158 games this past season and rewarded the Twins for their faith in him by hitting 12 home runs with 60 RBI and a 102 OPS+.
Along the way, the six-year veteran made the first All-Star Game of his career and solidified himself in the conversation of league's best utility player moving forward. The Twins utilized him all over the diamond this past season and he held his own at every spot outside of center field, where he earned an Outs Above Average of -3 across 30 appearances.
In fact, Castro was so versatile for these Twins that he made a bit of MLB history. According to MLB.com's Sarah Langs, he's the only player in history to make at least 25 appearances at five or more defensive positions in a single season.
Willi Castro made MLB history with 2024 versatility
So often in today's game you'll come across a player who plays one or two positions at a high level on a nightly basis. Not so often do you find one who can play as many positions as competently as Castro can.
Will Castro appearances by position in 2024:
- Second base: 40
- Third base: 27
- Shortstop: 56
- Left field: 34
- Center field: 30
This is an impressive defensive repertoire. As Langs pointed out in here piece, Castro also threw two scoreless innings on the mound, which has to count for something.
All told, Castro finished the 2024 campaign in the 74th percentile in OAA (1) and the 83rd in Arm Strength (89.7), which puts together his performances at all of these positions and combines them. He was one of the best all-around utility players in the game and the Twins should look to lock him up on a multi-year pact before he reaches free agency at the conclusion of the 2025 season.