One day after securing 22 international free agent signings, including three players ranked in the Top 50 by MLB.com, the Kansas City Royals made another significant move. On January 18, the team announced they had signed utility player Harold Castro to a minor league contract, with an invitation to spring training.
This contract marks Castro’s return to U.S. baseball after spending the 2024 season in the Mexican League. The 31-year-old had a tough 2023 season with the Colorado Rockies, posting career-low stats, and is now aiming to earn a spot on the Royals’ 40-man roster.
The former Detroit Tigers utility player will be looking to redeem himself in MLB, entering spring training with a strong desire to prove himself.
Castro’s baseball journey began when the Detroit Tigers signed him as a 16-year-old in 2010. After rising through the minors, he made his MLB debut in 2018. He spent several seasons with the Tigers, totaling 1,215 plate appearances and hitting .284 with 15 home runs and 125 RBIs over 351 games.
However, after the 2022 season, he was non-tendered and later signed a minor league contract with the Rockies for 2023. Castro struggled in his limited time with Colorado, hitting just .252 in 270 plate appearances with one home run and 31 RBIs, which led to his reassignment to Triple-A.
Following the 2023 season, Castro signed with the Toros de Tijuana in the Mexican League, where he posted strong numbers in 2024, hitting .320 with six home runs and 30 RBIs. Castro’s impressive offseason performance in the Venezuelan Winter League has fueled his determination to re-establish himself in MLB, and his minor league deal with the Royals represents his first step toward that goal.
Heading into spring training, Castro will compete for a utility role with recently acquired Cavan Biggio. Both players are versatile left-handed hitters with experience in multiple positions. Castro, who has played every position except catcher, and Biggio, who has appeared at first base, second base, third base, and both corner outfield spots, could provide valuable bench depth for the Royals in 2025.
Additionally, with the Royals’ outfield still in need of offensive improvement, either Castro or Biggio could find themselves in a starting role. The competition for a bench spot just became an exciting position battle to watch this spring.
