Rockies sign Willi Castro

The Colorado Rockies are bringing another veteran free agent into the fold, as ESPN’s Jorge Castillo reported Thursday afternoon that Willi Castro will be donning purple pinstripes on a two-year, $12.8 million deal.

The switch-hitting super utilityman is largely a middle infielder, but has played significant innings at every defensive position save first base and catcher. Quick and equipped with a strong arm, Castro is capable of playing all three outfield positions, as well as third base. He has even logged six career appearances on the mound. The Rockies had reportedly been interested in Castro around the Winter Meetings, and our own Renee Dechert had explored the idea of signing him.

Castro, 28, was originally signed out of Puerto Rico by the Cleveland Guardians in 2013. He made his Major League debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2019 and established himself as a big leaguer in 2020 with a .349/.381/.550 line over 36 games while finishing fourth in American League Rookie of the Year voting.

The Tigers non-tendered Castro after the 2022 season and he signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins. Castro made the Twin’s Opening Day roster to start the 2023 season where he slashed .257/.339/.411 with 18 doubles, five triples, nine home runs, and was worth a career high 2.6 wins above replacement per Baseball Reference. He had a similarly successful 2024 in which he was named a first-time All-Star.

Castro started the 2025 season hitting .245/.335/.407 through 86 games with the Twins. He was then traded to the Chicago Cubs at the deadline. However, Castro was unable to find his footing in the Windy City. He hit just .170/.245/.240 in 34 games with the Cubs before becoming a free agent.

The Rockies currently have a full 40-man roster with the signing of right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen on Thursday Morning. They will need to clear space when the contract is made official.

This is a developing story and Purple Row will provide more information as it becomes available.