Few players across Major League Baseball experienced a more turbulent season than José Castillo. Adjusting to a new team midseason is challenging enough—but Castillo faced the daunting task of playing for three different teams within just four months. This year, he pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, and Baltimore Orioles, showcasing a journeyman’s resilience.
Baltimore claimed Castillo, a five-year veteran left-handed pitcher, off waivers from the Mariners in early September. The Orioles were in desperate need of pitching depth due to injuries at the time. However, with several of those injured players returning to the 40-man roster this week, it became difficult to find a spot for Castillo. Consequently, Baltimore placed him on waivers again, likely hoping he would clear so they could retain him for the next season.
Instead, Castillo was claimed by the New York Mets on Thursday, according to the official MLB transactions log. This marks the beginning of a second stint in New York, one that seems destined to last longer than his first. Initially, the Mets acquired Castillo on May 15 via a trade with the Diamondbacks, but they lost him on September 30 when the Mariners claimed him off waivers.
If Castillo remains with the Mets into spring training, he will have spent more time in their uniform this time around. The 29-year-old now holds a 4.11 ERA across 69 major league appearances, including 29 outings this season. Over 32 innings this year, he struck out 30 batters while walking 14 and allowing 40 hits.
It’s important to note that Castillo has no minor-league options remaining. However, because he is not yet arbitration eligible, the Mets can keep him on their 40-man roster throughout the offseason. This means he will be ready to compete for a bullpen spot when spring training begins in February.
https://www.newsweek.com/orioles-lose-5-year-veteran-arm-to-mets-on-waivers-11012798
About the Author
