The Cleveland Guardians are still looking for help against left-handed pitching and outfield depth. Free agent Willi Castro could help with both.
The Cleveland Guardians are clearly reluctant to add one of the big-name free agents or trade for a proven big-league block and to block Chase DeLauter, George Valera, and CJ Kayfus from playing time during the 2026 season.
Still, the Guardians must admit two things about their current roster: the outfield core is injury-prone, and the team still doesn’t have many answers against left-handed pitchers.
One remaining free agent could help with both of those issues. That player is switch-hitting 28-year-old Willi Castro.
Willi Castro Could Be a Low-Cost Fit for the GuardiansFormer Division Rival Could Be a Fit for Guardians
Castro is more than familiar with the American League Central, considering he spent the first four seasons of his career with the Detroit Tigers and the next three and a half with the Minnesota Twins. Castro was then traded to the Chicago Cubs at the 2025 deadline before becoming a free agent in the offseason.
The 28-year-old has never been an All-Star caliber player during his time in the big leagues, logging a career OPS+ of 94. Castro finished the 2025 season a .226/.313/.679 slash line with the Twins and Cubs.
May 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder Willi Castro (50) rounds third base to score on a single hit by designated hitter Ryan Jeffers (27) in the third inning during game two of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesThose numbers may not look like an immediate upgrade for Cleveland, but his splits numbers do tell a slightly different story.
What really could make Castro an intriguing target for the Guardians is that he has favorable numbers against left-handed pitching. He recorded a .250/.310/.442 slash line against southpaws during the 2025 season.
Castro’s OPS of .752 against left-handed pitching would have ranked third on the Guardians, only behind Jose Ramirez (.896 OPS) and Angel Martinez (.792 OPS). These numbers are pretty consistent with Castro’s career split numbers, too. In 711 at-bats against left-handers, Castro has a career slash line of .257/.303/.393.
The 28-year-old also brings with him some defensive versatility, which is something manager Stephen Vogt loves. Castro appeared at all outfield spots, including second base, third base, and shortstop.
Would Castro count as the major upgrade Guardians fans have been hoping the front office makes this offseason? No.
Still, he’d help fill a clear hole on the roster while giving the Guardians another option against left-handed pitching. It’s at least worth it to check in with Castro and his agent this offseason to see what type of contract he’s looking for for the 2026 season.