Castro returns on two-year deal
The Astros are bringing back a familiar face.
Houston is in agreement with free-agent catcher Jason Castro on a two-year contract, multiple people with knowledge of the deal said Thursday. According to ESPN, the deal guarantees Castro $7 million across two seasons with incentives to earn up to $2 million more.
After losing Dustin Garneau on outright waivers last month, the Astros were in search of either a platoon partner or backup to starter Martin Maldonado. Garrett Stubbs, he of 49 big league plate appearances, was the other catcher on Houston’s 40-man roster.
Castro, a lefthanded hitter, profiles as a perfect complement to the righthanded-hitting Maldonado. Neither man excels offensively, but having a tandem that hits from either side of the plate is a luxury for manager Dusty Baker.
Maldonado will enter spring training as the primary starter, given his familiarity with the young staff and the on-field leadership Baker lauded so much last season. Castro does not possess Maldonado’s throwing arm but is a better pitch framer.
Though Castro is well acquainted with the Astros, much has changed since he last donned their uniform. He’ll play for a new manager and general manager. Only one pitcher remains from Castro’s last Astros team in 2016 — starter Lance McCullers Jr. Castro did work with reliever Ryan Pressly while with the Twins.
Houston chose Castro with the 10th overall pick in the 2008 draft, and he became a cornerstone during their teardown. He was the club’s All-Star selection during its 111-loss season in 2013 — still the best campaign of Castro’s 10-year major league career. Castro finished his first Astros tenure with a .699 OPS in 617 games.
Houston parted ways with Castro following the 2016 season and traded for veteran Yankees catcher Brian McCann that winter. Castro subsequently signed a three-year deal with Minnesota. When it expired after 2019, Castro signed on with the Los Angeles Angels before being shipped to the playoff-bound San Diego Padres at the 2020 trade deadline.
Once all is official, the return of Castro and re-signing of outfielder Michael Brantley leave the Astros with decisions to make on their 40-man roster. Two spots must be cleared. Righthander Humberto Castellanos is an obvious choice to be phased out, be it via waivers or a small trade. Others who could be in jeopardy of a similar fate include first baseman Taylor Jones and lefthander Cionel Perez.