Arizona Diamondbacks Secure José Castillo with Minor League Contract

The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a key addition to their roster by signing the talented left-handed pitcher, José Castillo, to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league Spring Training. This exciting news was first reported by Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors.

At just 28 years old, Castillo has primarily played for the Padres throughout his career. His first season with the club in 2018 showed great promise, as he made 37 successful relief appearances with an impressive 3.29 earned run average. During that time, he demonstrated his ability by striking out 34.7% of batters while maintaining a low 8% walk rate.

Unfortunately, injuries have plagued Castillo in recent years, limiting his opportunities on the field. Various ailments, including a torn ligament in his hand, a lat strain, and Tommy John surgery, have kept him sidelined for most of the past five years. His struggles continued in 2023, as he spent the majority of the season in the minors, posting a concerning 9.82 ERA in Triple-A.

Despite these setbacks, the Diamondbacks see potential in Castillo and are eager to provide him with an opportunity to regain his form. In 2023, the team faced challenges with their pitching staff, which collectively achieved a 4.48 ERA. The signing of Castillo presents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Diamondbacks, as they hope he can return to his 2018 level of performance. Although Castillo is currently out of options, the possibility of retaining him through arbitration beyond 2024 remains open with his four years of service time.