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Starlin Castro

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Starlin Castro
Castro with the Washington Nationals in 2021
Free agent
Infielder
Born: (1990-03-24) March 24, 1990 (age 34)
Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
May 7, 2010, for the Chicago Cubs
MLB statistics
(through 2021 season)
Batting average.280
Hits1,722
Home runs138
Runs batted in678
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Starlin DeJesus Castro (born March 24, 1990) is a Dominican professional baseball infielder who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals. Castro is a four-time MLB All-Star and holds the record for most runs batted in in an MLB debut. In 2011, he led the National League in hits, becoming the youngest player to do so.

Professional career

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Minor leagues

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In 2009, Castro was named to the Florida State League All-Star team, and won MVP honors, going 4-for-4 with an inside-the-park home run in the game.[1] He was also named All-Star Futures Game for the World Team. After the season, Castro was named the best prospect in Chicago's organization by Baseball America.[2]

Castro with the Chicago Cubs in 2010

Chicago Cubs

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2010

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Castro was called up to the majors on May 7, 2010, from the Tennessee Smokies, the Cubs Double-A affiliate.[3] He became the first major league player born in the 1990s.[4]

In his first major league at-bat, he hit a three-run home run off Homer Bailey of the Cincinnati Reds. He became the sixth player in Cubs history and 106th player overall to hit a home run in his first MLB at-bat. Later in the game he hit a triple with the bases loaded, setting the record for most runs batted in (RBIs) in a major league debut with six. He finished the game two for five in the Cubs' 14–7 win.[5] Castro finished the season with a .300/.347/.408 line with three home runs and 41 RBIs in 463 at-bats over 125 games. Despite his significant offensive contribution, Castro led the team and was second in the National League in errors with 27.

On October 19, 2010, Castro was named the shortstop on Baseball America's 2010 All-Rookie Team.[6] He was also named the shortstop on the 2010 Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team.[7] He finished tied for fifth in Rookie of the Year voting.[8]

2011: All-Star season

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2011 was Castro's first full season as an MLB player, and also marked his first All-Star Game selection, as he was one of three shortstops selected to the National League All-Star team. Castro was the youngest Chicago Cub player to make an All-Star team.[9] Castro stole two bases in the All-Star Game despite having only one plate appearance, tying him for the most stolen bases in a single All-Star Game.[10] The same day, Castro received Edward Jones Player of the Month Award honors. Castro was the National League Player of the Week twice during the 2011 season.[11]

On September 23, 2011, Castro got his 200th base hit of the season, at Busch Stadium against the rival St. Louis Cardinals, and was the youngest member of the Cubs to ever do so.[12]

Castro was the youngest player to ever lead the National League in hits, achieving the feat with his 207th hit of the season on September 28, 2011.[12] Castro's game jersey was sent to the Hall of Fame, in a similar manner to his MLB debut's game jersey. His line for the 2011 season was .307/.341/.432, and it was the first season in which he hit double digit home runs (10). Overall, Castro finished the 2011 season with a .307 batting average, 10 home runs and 66 RBI. His 207 base hits and 674 at-bats both led the National League.

On defense, he led all National League shortstops in assists, with 446, and all major league shortstops in errors, with 29. He also had the lowest fielding percentage for a shortstop (.961).[13]

2012: All-Star season

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Castro was selected to the National League All-Star team along with teammate Bryan LaHair. Castro finished the 2012 season playing all 162 games with a .283 average, 14 homers, and 78 RBI. He was caught stealing 13 times which led MLB. He also led the National League again with 646 at-bats and 465 assists as a shortstop. In August, Castro and the Cubs agreed to a contract extension through the 2019 season with a team option for 2020, with total guaranteed compensation of $60 million.[14]

2013

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Castro had his worst year ending with a career low batting average of .245. He hit 10 home runs and had 44 RBIs, nine steals, and 2 triples while playing in 161 games.[15]

2014: All-Star season

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Castro playing for the Chicago Cubs in 2014

After a disappointing 2013, Castro was selected to appear in his third All-Star game along with teammate Anthony Rizzo in 2014. Unfortunately, Castro's All-Star year came to an early end when he was injured on September 2 when he awkwardly slid into home plate in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers. He did not return for the balance of the year and finished with a strong batting average of .292 with 14 home runs, 65 RBI's, 4 stolen bases, 33 doubles and 1 triple in 528 at bats.[16]

Castro was the top hitting shortstop (for batting average) in the National League ahead of the Dodgers' Hanley Ramírez.[17] On defense, he had only 15 errors and a fielding percentage of .973.

2015

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During a game on April 20, 2015, against the Pirates in Pittsburgh, Castro hit a ball that went foul behind home plate and struck a fan in her head. The game was delayed for 23 minutes until the fan was escorted on a stretcher and hospitalized due to a concussion.[18]

Come the trade deadline, there was much speculation of a trade involving Castro. Potential deals might have involved him going to the Phillies[19] or the Padres.[20] Amid the speculation, Castro was told by manager Joe Maddon that he would not be traded.[21]

In August, Castro was benched by Cubs manager Joe Maddon due to poor performance, including a career low .236 batting average.[22] With rookie Addison Russell taking over as the everyday shortstop, Castro made the switch to second base on August 12.[23][24][25] On September 18, in an important game against the division leading Cardinals, Castro hit two home runs and matched his career high with six RBIs to lead the Cubs to an 8–3 win.

New York Yankees

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Starlin Castro with the New York Yankees on September 5, 2017

On December 8, 2015, Castro was traded to the New York Yankees in exchange for pitcher Adam Warren and a player to be named later. On December 15, 2015, Brendan Ryan was also traded to the Cubs to finalize the transaction.[26]

On April 6, 2016, Castro had 5 RBI in a win over the Houston Astros, and he broke the franchise record for most RBI in the first two career games with the Yankees with 7, and the fourth player to get 7 RBI in the first two games in a season.[27] On April 9, Castro recorded his 1000th career hit, in a win over the Detroit Tigers. On June 22, Castro hit his first ever walk-off home run in a 9–8 win over the Rockies. Castro finished the season with a .270 batting average and a career high 21 home runs and 70 RBI.

On April 28, 2017, Castro hit a game tying 2-run home run in the 9th inning of an eventual 14–11 Yankees comeback win against the Baltimore Orioles. On June 27, he was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a hamstring injury.[28] On July 22, he was again placed on the 10-day disabled list due to the same hamstring problem.[29] Castro finished 2017 with a .300 batting average with 16 home runs and 63 RBI in 112 games played.

Miami Marlins

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Castro with the Marlins in 2018

On December 11, 2017, Castro was traded to the Miami Marlins (along with Jorge Guzmán and José Devers) in exchange for outfielder Giancarlo Stanton and cash considerations.[30] He finished his first season with the Marlins with a .278 batting average and 12 home runs and 54 RBI.

Castro entered 2019 as a prominent trade candidate for the Marlins, but he struggled offensively throughout the first half of the season and did not attract much interest prior to the July 31 trade deadline. He transitioned from second base to third base in early August when the team promoted prospect Isan Díaz from the minor leagues. Castro's performance improved late in the season and he finished with a .270 batting average and set new career highs with 22 home runs and 86 RBI.[31] He was one of only five MLB players in 2019 to play the full 162-game schedule.[32]

On October 31, 2019, the Marlins declined their 2020 option on him and made him a free agent.[33]

Washington Nationals

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The Washington Nationals signed Castro to a two-year contract reportedly valued at $12 million on January 7, 2020.[34] On July 23, 2020, Castro was the starting second baseman, making his Nationals debut on Opening Day against his former team, the New York Yankees. In an August 14 game against the Baltimore Orioles, Castro suffered a broken wrist attempting to make a diving play in the sixth inning. On August 22, it was announced that Castro had undergone surgery on the wrist and would miss the remainder of the year.[35] On the season, Castro slashed .267/.302/.405 with 2 home runs and 4 RBI.[36]

On June 15, 2021, Castro was placed on the restricted list after leaving the team to deal with a “family matter which requires his immediate attention.”[37]

Castro was released by the Nationals on September 2, 2021, shortly after the conclusion of his 30-game suspension for violating the MLB domestic violence policy.[38]

Leones de Yucatán

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On June 27, 2022, Castro signed with the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League.[39] In 28 games, he batted .240/.312/.323 with 1 home run and 9 RBIs. Castro left the team on August 14, for what the club cited as personal reasons.[40]

Spire City Ghost Hounds/Frederick ALPB

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On April 24, 2023, Castro signed with the Spire City Ghost Hounds of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball,[41] who were referred to at the time as just the "Frederick Baseball Club", "Unnamed Frederick Baseball Team" or the "Frederick ALPB" because they didn't decide on the "Ghost Hound" moniker until later that season in June.[42] The team wore jerseys with question marks in that period of time when they were unnamed.[42] In 43 games for Spire City/Frederick, he batted .305/.357/.383 with one home run and 24 RBI. On September 22, 2023, the Ghost Hounds announced that they would not be participating in the upcoming 2024 Atlantic League season due to scheduling issues, having a shared stadium and the league needing an even number of teams, but the team will be returning in 2025.[43][44] On November 2, a dispersal draft was held for the other ALPB teams to get an opportunity to select players who were under contract with the Ghost Hounds.[45] Castro became a free agent after he was not selected in the Ghost Hounds dispersal draft.[45]

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On July 16, 2021, Major League Baseball announced it had begun an investigation into domestic violence allegations that had been brought against Castro, and he was placed on administrative leave.[46] On July 30, Castro was suspended 30 games without pay and fined an undisclosed amount for violation of the league’s joint domestic violence policy. The Nationals announced shortly afterward that they would be releasing Castro after his suspension was served.[47][better source needed]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Muskat, Carrie (December 4, 2009). "Top prospects may make impact soon". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved June 6, 2010.
  2. ^ Callis, Jim (November 16, 2009). "Chicago Cubs top 10 prospects". Baseball America. Archived from the original on May 10, 2010. Retrieved June 6, 2010.
  3. ^ Muskat, Carrie (May 7, 2010). "Cubs call up top young shortstop Castro". MLB.com. Major League Baseball Advanced Media. Archived from the original on May 10, 2010. Retrieved June 6, 2010.
  4. ^ Boeck, Scott (May 8, 2010). "Jamie Moyer: 'Just doing my job'; Starlin Castro's stellar debut". USA Today. Retrieved June 6, 2010.
  5. ^ "Castro homers, drives in six to carry Cubs past Reds". ESPN.com. Associated Press. May 7, 2010. Archived from the original on May 10, 2010. Retrieved June 6, 2010.
  6. ^ Eddy, Matt (October 19, 2010). "Future Big League Stars Highlight All-Rookie Team". Baseball America. Archived from the original on October 25, 2010. Retrieved October 21, 2010.
  7. ^ Thesier, Kelly (November 29, 2010). "Valencia awarded with rookie honor". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 8, 2010. Retrieved December 11, 2010.
  8. ^ "Starlin Castro Finishes 5th In ROY Voting". Cubbies Crib. November 15, 2010. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  9. ^ "Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro named to National League All-Star team". MLB.com. July 3, 2011. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012.
  10. ^ "All-Star Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference, LLC. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  11. ^ "MLB Players of the Week". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
  12. ^ a b Levine, Bruce (September 29, 2011). "Cubs' Castro youngest player to lead NL in hits". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  13. ^ "2014 Regular Season MLB Baseball ss Fielding Statistics". Major League Baseball/ESPN. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014.
  14. ^ Rojas, Enrique. "Source--Chicago Cubs' Starlin Castro agrees to seven-year, $60 million extension". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  15. ^ "Starlin Castro Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 21, 2014.
  16. ^ "Player Updates". MLB.com. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  17. ^ Muskat, Carrie. "Injury makes for frustrating end to Castro's season". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 5, 2014. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
  18. ^ Rogers, Jessie (April 21, 2015). "Foul ball hits fan during Cubs-Pirates game". ESPN. ESPN. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  19. ^ "Cubs Rumors: Chicago may include Starlin Castro in a Cole Hamels trade". FanSided. July 24, 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  20. ^ Jeff Todd (July 27, 2015). "Cubs, Padres Talked Castro; Cubs Not In On Shields". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  21. ^ Chicago Tribune (July 29, 2015). "Joe Maddon tells Starlin Castro he won't be traded". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  22. ^ Skribina, Paul (August 8, 2015). "Starlin Castro says he understands Cubs' decision to bench him". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved July 11, 2015.
  23. ^ "Starlin Castro of Chicago Cubs shifts to second base". ESPN.com. August 12, 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  24. ^ "Maddon on Castro playing second". MLB.com. Retrieved September 18, 2015.
  25. ^ Steeno, Paul (August 20, 2015). "Chicago Cubs: Starlin Castro continues to handle himself well despite adversity". cubbiescrib.com. Cubbies Crib. Retrieved September 18, 2015.
  26. ^ "Yankees trade for Cubs' Starlin Castro". MLB.com.
  27. ^ "Castro, Tex lead HR parade; Yanks top Astros". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 10, 2016.
  28. ^ "Starlin Castro to DL with hamstring issue". MLB. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
  29. ^ "Starlin Castro heading back to DL after reinjuring hamstring". ESPN. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
  30. ^ Gerbosi, Ryan (December 11, 2017). "Giancarlo Stanton officially becomes a Yankee". Newsday. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  31. ^ "Starlin Castro Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  32. ^ "2019 Major League Baseball Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  33. ^ Mark Polishuk (October 31, 2019). "Marlins To Decline Club Option On Starlin Castro". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  34. ^ "Nationals deal with Starlin Castro". Mlb.com. January 8, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  35. ^ Reddington, Patrick (August 22, 2020). "Washington Nationals Injury Updates: Starlin Castro has surgery on wrist; Sean Doolittle throws; Still no Howie Kendrick on Friday..." Federal Baseball. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  36. ^ Zuckerman, Mark (October 10, 2020). "Nats need a healthy and productive Castro next year - Nationals Pastime". Masnsports.com. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  37. ^ Mark Polishuk (June 16, 2021). "Nationals Place Starlin Castro On Restricted List, Call Up Luis Garcia". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  38. ^ Adams, Steve (September 2, 2021). "Nationals Release Starlin Castro". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  39. ^ "¡STARLIN CASTRO LLEGA A LEONES!". leones.mx (in Spanish). June 27, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  40. ^ "STARLIN CASTRO CAUSA BAJA DE LEONES". leones.mx (in Spanish). August 14, 2022. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
  41. ^ "Frederick Adds Four-Time All Star". oursportscentral.com. April 24, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  42. ^ a b Lewis, Gabrielle (June 24, 2023). "Meet the Ghost Hounds: Frederick's baseball team officially has a name". The Frederick News-Post. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
  43. ^ Shaw, Kayla (September 22, 2023). "Spire City Ghost Hounds to Take Hiatus for 2024 Season". Spire City GhostHounds. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
  44. ^ Staff Report (September 22, 2023). "After inaugural year, Ghost Hounds to sit out 2024 Atlantic League season". The Frederick News-Post. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
  45. ^ a b "ALPB Holds Dispersal Draft". oursportscentral.com. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  46. ^ Steve Adams (July 16, 2021). "Starlin Castro On Administrative Leave Following Alleged Domestic Violence Incident". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  47. ^ @Ken_Rosenthal (July 30, 2021). "MLB announces Nationals infielder Starlin Castro suspended 30 games…" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 1, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2023 – via Twitter.
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