With an opt-out looming, the White Sox acquired Miguel Castro from the Astros via trade. It’s a minor trade in nature. However, the move gives the White Sox some much-needed relief depth for a team that has just three relievers with an ERA+ of 100 or better.
A Look at Castro
New White Sox reliever Miguel Castro spent 2023-24 with the Diamondbacks but hasn’t pitched at the MLB level since July 29, 2024. Castro gave up two earned runs in each of his last two appearances with Arizona before the team DFA’d and released him. Castro missed a healthy chunk of the season with shoulder inflammation.
Before 2024, Castro had stints with the Blue Jays, Rockies, Orioles, Mets, and Yankees, before landing with the Diamondbacks in 2023. He signed a Minor League deal with Houston in December 2024 and pitched with the Astros’ Triple-A affiliate this season. He struck out 20 over 19.2 IP, along with a solid 30.9% Whiff%.
Castro’s velocity was fine in Sugar Land (AAA), as he topped 98 MPH with his sinker, along with using his high-80s changeup and low-80s slider. Interestingly enough, Castro didn’t use his four-seamer, something he leaned on more last season with the Diamondbacks.
The new White Sox has long been a ground-ball merchant, as he’s leaned heavily on keeping the ball down low with both his sinker and changeup. Castro can also get swing-and-misses with a funky slider, one that has more left-to-right action compared to depth and runs away from same-sided hitters.
A reliever who’s pitched in parts of 10 seasons, Castro is a somewhat enigmatic reliever when it comes to command. However, what’s given him longevity at the MLB level is the fact that when everything is connected, Castro can be an effective reliever.
The Astros confirmed that cash considerations will go from the White Sox to Houston in return for Miguel Castro.
Analysis
Per KPRC TV in Houston, the Astros didn’t plan on moving Castro up to the big club. His Minor League deal had an opt-out clause on June 3 if not promoted, so the Astros get ahead of it.
The Astros have a somewhat similar arm in right-hander Tayler Scott, who has roughly the same level arm slot compared to Castro, as well as a similar pitch mix. Scott, though, was recently DFA’d.
The White Sox, meanwhile, are 14-30 overall and don’t have a ton of relief depth. Chicago (AL) has received decent results from Jordan Leasure, plus ex-Padre Steven Wilson and 2024 Rule 5 Draft pick Mike Vasil. All three are right-handers, like Castro, but also have different arm angles and mixes.
Castro gives the White Sox not just more depth but also another look. And, it is worth noting that Castro does have some closing experience. He picked up a career-high seven saves two seasons ago with the Diamondbacks, a team that tried several arms in the ninth inning before Arizona acquired ex-Mariner Paul Sewald.
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