Breaking Down Miguel Castro's Contract with the Diamondbacks

Castro signed a one-year deal with the Diamondbacks, which includes an option for 2024 plus incentives.

Miguel Castro signed a one-year deal with the Diamondbacks yesterday. D-backs general manager Mike Hazen yesterday stated that his power stuff, which features a sinker that averages 97.9 MPH and a wipeout slider, was something they were looking to add this off-season. Castro's deal pays $3.5 million for the 2023 season and comes with an option for the 2024 season.

Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic added that the deal includes a $5 million vesting option for 2024. The option would trigger if Castro makes 60 appearances out of the bullpen and passes a physical at the end of the season. Additionally, if he were to finish at least 40 games, it converts into a player option. 

The deal also includes incentives, in which Castro can earn an additional $2.75 million in both seasons based on the number of games he appears in and the number of games he finishes.

Castro’s deal with Diamondbacks also includes these bonuses:

25, 30, 35 appearances: $50K each

40, 45: $75K each

50, 55: $100K each

60, 65: $200K each

Also:

25 games finished: $100K

30, 35: $150K

40: $200K

45: $250K

50: $300K

55, 60: $350K

Maximum: $2.75M each year

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 3, 2022

With incentives based on the number of games finished, Castro will likely be in the mix for the closer role next season. The D-backs have not enjoyed having a consistent stopper in the ninth inning since Fernando Rodney saved 39 games for a 93-win squad back in 2017. The bad performances from the back-end of the bullpen in the past five seasons have been a contributing factor to Arizona not being able to win more than 85 games in a single season.

The deal would allow Castro to re-enter the free agent market, should he have a strong year in the closer role. If he struggles with performance or injuries and is unable to reach the 60 appearances, the D-backs would not have to commit a second year for him. There is a lot of upside in the deal for both parties, with the main risk coming down to his 2023 performance.