The MLB trade deadline is always full of surprising moves that end up playing a role in October and beyond. While big names like Eugenio Suárez get most of the attention, there are plenty of other valuable players flying under the radar. One such player is Willi Castro, who could emerge as one of the deadline’s biggest difference makers.
The Twins saved about $3.5 million from this trade. They have five more players who can reach free agency at the end of the season: Willi Castro, Harrison Bader, Danny Coulombe, Christian Vázquez and Ty France. https://t.co/3lHpes9HRL
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) July 28, 2025
Castro was an All-Star last season and is set to become a free agent after this year ends. His numbers across the board are even better this season than during his All-Star campaign. The 28-year-old utility man from Puerto Rico has the ability to push a contender over the top considering the versatility that he brings to the table.
Castro has played more than 400 innings at six different positions in his career: right field, left field, center field, third base, shortstop and second base. That makes him a fit for plenty of teams with a hole in their roster.
Despite his fit on many teams, Castro remains one of the less talked-about players available. Outfield-needy teams seem more interested in Luis Robert Jr. or Cedric Mullins, while Suárez draws the attention of every team in need of an infielder.
However, Castro’s .762 OPS and solid defense are exactly the type of attributes that could take a needy contender to the next level. He is going to be a free agent after the season, and the Minnesota Twins appear open for business. On Jul 28, the Twins made their first big seller move when they dealt starting pitcher Chris Paddack and reliever Randy Dobnak to the division rival, AL Central leading Detroit Tigers in exchange for Detroit’s No. 14 overall prospect, catcher Enrique Jimenez.
Reports indicate that the Paddack trade is just the first domino to fall for Minnesota.
Reports suggest Minnesota is among the most active sellers heading into final trade talks. https://t.co/EzSmDbg4a2 #twins #minnesota #mntwins
— Twins Daily (@twinsdaily) July 29, 2025
In the last two seasons, Castro has hit 22 home runs and driven in 87 runs. His versatility is what makes him truly special. He can slot in virtually anywhere. While teams are looking at some bigger names, they might be overlooking a diamond in the rough at this deadline.
Castro has established himself as a reliable big leaguer the past two seasons. Even more so, he appears likely to play a significant role for Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. If traded, he could make his impact felt in a World Series run as well.
Some of the league’s top teams could benefit from adding Castro. For teams like the New York Mets, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies or Los Angeles Dodgers, he could solve a significant problem in the outfield. He also could be an infield upgrade for the Mets or Phillies. The Milwaukee Brewers, who have the best record in baseball, could get a major boost by adding Castro to upgrade the production on the left side of their infield.
Castro will be a less expensive option than players like Suarez or Mullins, and his production at multiple positions makes him a dangerous under-the-radar possible asset for a contender to scoop up at this Trade Deadline.
WBN MLB:
Photo: Minnesota Twins second baseman Willi Castro warms up before a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
