It’s hug watch season.
When a player is pulled from an MLB game unexpectedly in late July, the cameras follow that player, seeing if they’re getting hugs from teammates. That’s because the MLB trade deadline is imminent. A sudden yanking suggests that the player may be involved in a deal.
And on Wednesday afternoon, the Twins removed Willi Castro in the middle of the game, out of the blue. The switch-hitting utility man has been involved in trade rumors all month. They may be coming to fruition.
In some ways, Castro is the perfect trade deadline acquisition. He’s a switch-hitter, and he can play almost every defensive position.That makes him a possibility for every contender. No matter the lineup or defensive need, Castro can fill it.
Castro may not actually be getting traded, though.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan posted this on X: “Willi Castro has not been traded. He also did not get a hug like Jhoan Duran when he was not traded, which is kind of sad.”
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He’s also having a solid season for the Twins, batting .247 with 10 homers. He’s a better hitter from the right side against left-handed pitching.
In the field this season, Castro has played second base, third base, shortstop, left field, right field and centerfield.
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At 28 years old, Castro is conceptually in his prime.
He was previously linked to the Yankees, but given that New York has already acquired Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario, they’d seem to be out on a such a deal.
Most of the other playoff contenders have varying levels of need on the infield, though, so Castro could fit mostly anyone.
His versatility makes huge watch tough to figure out. Castro may very well be being traded, but to who? We’ll have to wait and see.
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