Willi Castro Bio
Willi Rafael Castro Capellan (born April 24, 1997) is a Puerto Rican professional baseball utility player who is currently a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, and Chicago Cubs. Castro made his MLB debut in 2019 with the Tigers and was named an All-Star in 2024 with the Twins.
Early Life and Background
Willi Castro was born in Puerto Rico. His journey in baseball began at a young age, and he signed with the Cleveland Indians as an international free agent in July 2013. Castro made his professional debut in 2014 with the Arizona League Indians, where he showcased his potential as a promising player. Over the next few years, he played in various minor league teams, gradually improving his skills and performance.
Path to Baseball
Castro’s early career included stints with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers and the Lake County Captains, where he honed his batting and fielding abilities. In 2017, he played for the Lynchburg Hillcats, achieving a career-high 11 home runs and earning recognition as one of the top prospects in the Indians organization. His consistent performance led to his addition to the Indians’ 40-man roster after the 2017 season.
Willi Castro Career
Early Career (2014-2018)
After making his professional debut in 2014, Castro spent several years in the minor leagues, developing his skills. He played for teams such as the Arizona League Indians and the Akron RubberDucks, where he was recognized as Cleveland’s fifth-best prospect going into the 2018 season. His hard work paid off when he was traded to the Detroit Tigers in July 2018.
Breakthrough (2019-2022)
Castro made his major league debut on August 24, 2019, against the Minnesota Twins, where he had an impressive start, going 2-for-4. In his first season, he hit his first major league home run and ended the year with a batting average of .230. Over the next few seasons, he faced challenges, including defensive struggles, but he continued to improve. In 2021, he played in 125 games, finishing the season with 9 home runs and 38 RBIs.
Notable Works and Milestones
Castro’s career took a significant turn in 2024 when he was named an All-Star, marking a high point in his professional journey. He continued to build on this success with the Minnesota Twins, where he had a solid season in 2023, appearing in 124 games and achieving a career-high 2.7 WAR.
Willi Castro Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Willi Castro has been recognized for his contributions to the sport, culminating in his nomination for the All-Star game in 2024.
Willi Castro Awards Won
Willi Castro has achieved notable recognition in his career, including being named an All-Star in 2024.
Willi Castro Family
Willi Castro is married to Aniana Rosario, who is known to be the sister of fellow MLB player Amed Rosario. The couple shares a daughter together.
Personal Life
Castro’s personal life reflects his commitment to family and his career. He balances his responsibilities as a professional athlete with his role as a husband and father.