The Yankees hot stove is finally heating up. Last night the team traded Adam Warren and Brendan Ryan to the Cubs for infielder Starlin Castro. So let’s get to know the newest addition to the family.
Castro is 25 years old, turning 26 in March. He was the Cubs shortstop when he made his debut in May 2010 until Addison Russell took over in 2015, at which point he shifted over to second base. During his first Major League at bat, facing off against Homer Bailey, he hit the ball into the seats. He became the 106th player in history to hit a home run during their first MLB at bat. Later in that same game, with the bases loaded, he hit a triple and cleared the bags. This set the MLB record for most RBIs in a debut with six. He finished the year playing 125 games with a .300/.347/.408 slash line and was 5th in Rookie of the Year voting.
2011 was his first full season in the Majors and it wasn’t too shabby. He hit .307 with 10 homers, 66 RBIs and 22 stolen bases. His 207 hits that season made him the youngest player ever to lead the National League in hits. His game jersey from the day he got his 207th hit now sits in the Hall of Fame, along with the jersey he wore for his debut. He earned his first of three All Star Game selections and finished 23rd in MVP voting.
He played all 162 games in 2012, his second All Star season. He hit .283 with a career high 14 homers and 78 RBIs. He stole 25 bags but was caught 13 times, which led the MLB. He led the NL with his 646 at bats.
2013 was a down year for Castro. He hit a career low .245 in 161 games with 10 homers and 44 RBIs swiping just nine bags.
He rebounded in 2014 to make his third All Star Game. His season was cut short due to an injury caused by an awkward slide into home, but he still hit .292 with 14 homers in 134 games.
He was benched in August of 2015 due to poor play and lost his job once Addison Russell was called up. However, he saw a resurgence when he was shifted over to second. He hit .353 down the stretch and finished the year hitting .265 with 11 homers and 69 RBIs in 151 games.
He has plenty of service time in his short career, playing 891 games in six years. Lots of experience for a young player with plenty of career left. Since he is fairly new to second he may need some time to settle in, much like Didi last year. But once he gets comfortable his right handed bat will be welcomed in the Yanks lineup. He can also be used at short when Didi needs an off day and Refsnyder/Ackley can man second. It’s a great trade in my book. Low risk/high reward and a definite upgrade over that guy we had at second the last year and a half. What was his name again?
Starlin Castro was schooled on big-league life by Alfonso Soriano and idolizes Derek Jeter. Certainly shouldn't hurt his transition.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) December 9, 2015
