Texas Rangers add some infield depth by signing Diego Castillo to a minor-league deal.
The Texas Rangers have added infield depth by signing Diego Castillo to a minor-league contract. The deal was initially announced by Castillo’s former team in the Mexican League, suggesting the utility man will likely report to Triple-A Round Rock once finalized by the organization.
At 28 years old, Castillo brings limited but notable major-league experience. He saw his most extended run in 2022 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he accumulated a career-high workload at the plate.
Since then, his opportunities in the big leagues have been sporadic, with brief appearances for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Minnesota Twins over the past two seasons. Across his MLB time, Castillo has struggled to find consistency offensively, posting a .208 batting average with modest power production.
While his major-league numbers don’t immediately stand out, Castillo has carved out a reputation as a reliable bat in the upper minors. Over parts of five seasons at the Triple-A level, he’s posted strong plate discipline and on-base ability, producing a .279/.384/.401 slash line.
Castillo’s ability to move around the diamond is perhaps his most valuable asset. He has logged significant time at second base, third base, and shortstop, while also seeing action at first base and both corner outfield spots.
That kind of versatility gives the Rangers multiple pathways to utilize him, particularly in the event of injuries or roster shuffling at the major league level.
His path back to affiliated baseball wasn’t guaranteed. After a somewhat underwhelming 2025 campaign in Triple-A, where he split time between organizations, and a quiet showing in winter ball, Castillo entered 2026 without a clear opportunity.
However, a red-hot start in Mexico quickly changed that narrative. In a small but eye-catching sample, he dominated opposing pitching, showcasing improved contact and plate discipline.
Though the offensive environment in the Mexican League can inflate numbers, Castillo’s early performance still turned heads and drew renewed interest from MLB clubs.
For Texas, this signing represents a calculated gamble: A player with proven minor league production, positional flexibility, and a recent surge in form that could translate into meaningful depth as the season unfolds.
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