The New York Yankees have made a significant move to address their infield needs by signing versatile infielder Willi Castro, according to analyst Ryan Garcia of EmpireSportsMedia.
Castro, who was reportedly available for trade by the Minnesota Twins, had been mentioned as a potential target for the Yankees. Garcia had previously suggested that New York should pursue a deal for the All-Star, noting that there were limited infielders on the market who could make an impact. With the Twins possibly looking to move Castro, Garcia had even proposed that the Yankees could offer reliever Mark Leiter Jr. or another pitcher in exchange. However, the Yankees have now secured the 27-year-old infielder, who is coming off a strong 2024 season in which he hit .247 with 12 home runs and 60 RBIs.
A key asset for the Yankees, Castro’s versatility allows him to play multiple positions, with Garcia speculating that he will likely take over third base for New York. His defensive abilities, including a solid arm and experience making throws from the hot corner, make him a great fit. Castro’s strong defense will also help bolster the Yankees’ infield, with Jazz Chisholm potentially moving back to second base.
Castro’s bat is well-suited for a bottom-of-the-order role, and his speed on the bases provides an additional threat to opposing teams. While his baserunning dipped in 2024 with just 14 steals and 9 caught stealing, his 2023 performance—when he stole 33 bases in 38 attempts—demonstrates his potential to be a major weapon for the Yankees.
Having been in the MLB since 2019, Castro adds depth and flexibility to the Yankees’ roster. Despite losing Juan Soto, the team believes its offseason acquisitions—such as Max Fried, Devin Williams, Cody Bellinger, and Paul Goldschmidt—have strengthened the lineup. With Castro now part of the fold, the Yankees are confident in their improved roster and are optimistic about their chances this season. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner expressed confidence, stating that the team is better now than they were at this time last year. The Yankees currently have the third-best odds to win the World Series at +850.
