Jesus Castillo
Jesus Castillo
Position: IF
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 144 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 07/12/2003
Country: Venezuela
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2019
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2023
Minor League Free Agency: 2027
Options Left: 3
Overview
The Pirates signed Castillo as a shortstop and he has the athleticism to stay there. Since he’s usually been on the same team as Javier Rivas, though, he’s spent a lot of time at second and third, and some at first. He’s a very patient hitter and draws a lot of walks, but he has no power at all. He makes plenty of hard contact, but it often just results in fly outs.
2020-23
Castillo didn’t play in 2020, then went to the DSL. He did a good job of getting on base, but had an ISO of just .027. He was very reliable in the field, playing second, third and short.
In 2022, Castillo went to the FCL and seemingly had a breakout with the bat. He hit .352, but still had an ISO of just .031. He walked just once less than he struck out. He had about the same season in the Florida State League in 2023, except the hits stopped falling. He batted just .209, hampered by a .159 average in June and .144 in August/September. His ISO was just .032. He did lead the league in walks, with 30 more than all but one other player. He also stole 39 bases in 48 tries.
2024
The Pirates moved Castillo up to Bradenton for 2024, but his season didn’t last long. After 25 games, he got hurt and missed the rest of the year. Before the injury, he divided his time equally between second, third and short. He stuggled at the plate, batting .141.
Stats
Transactions
July 2, 2019: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.