Willi Castro is quietly one of baseball's most versatile, valuable players

Castro is breaking records this season.

Jun 26, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Willi Castro (50) hits the first while avoiding a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Willi Castro was non-tendered by the Detroit Tigers and the Twins added him as a minor league free agent two years ago. What a move it turned out to be. In less than two seasons with Minnesota, he has developed into the ideal utility player.

According noted by the uber-popular Cespedes Family BBQ account on X, Castro is the first player in MLB history to appear in at least 20 games at five different positions in a season, and Minnesota is only halfway through the 2024 season. Castro has appeared at second base, shortstop, third base, center field and left field at least 20 times each.

Willi Castro has already become the first player in MLB history (!!!) to appear in at least 20 games at 2B, SS, 3B, CF, and LF all in the same season (and he's made 10+ starts at all 5 of those positions)

AND HE'S PITCHED TWICE

AND HE HAS A 130 OPS+

WILLI CASTRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/AfIEnFKb7d

— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) July 1, 2024

The Puerto Rico native is one of 13 players in MLB to appear in all 84 games this season. He is slashing .276/.357/.452 with 7 home runs and 27 RBIs. Castro's 2.7 WAR (wins above replacement) ranks 34th in the majors, just behind Reds phenom Elly De La Cruz (2.8) and not far behind teammate Carlos Correa and Guardians MVP candidate Jose Ramirez (both 3.1).

While Correa, Royce Lewis and Byron Buxton get most Twins headlines, Castro has quietly become one of their best players and easily one of the most versatiles players in the league.