The MLB offseason is in full swing.
Teams are looking for ways to improve their roster with the intention of competing in the 2023 season.
We have seen contenders make moves, but squads in lower tiers are also trying to get better and that’s excellent for the health of the game.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are one of those improving team looking to make their presence felt next year.
They are a young, exciting organization that is a couple of stars away from competing for a Wild Card spot.
On Friday, they announced a signing: it isn’t quite star-level, but is a useful piece for their 2023 puzzle nonetheless: former New York Yankees right-hander Miguel Castro.
“Miguel Castro agrees to $3.5M deal with Diamondbacks for 2023. Includes incentives and option. @ByRobertMurray 1st,” MLB insider Jon Heyman tweeted.
Yankees insider Bryan Hoch explained a bit more about Castro’s season in the Bronx.
“Miguel Castro pitched to a 4.03 ERA in 34 appearances for the #Yankees this past season,” he tweeted.
Miguel Castro pitched to a 4.03 ERA in 34 appearances for the #Yankees this past season. https://t.co/qhkxRHRCsg
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) December 2, 2022
A Somewhat Erratic, But Talented Arm
Castro missed a lot of time with injury this season, but was a reliable middle relief arm when he was healthy and with the kind of arm he has, there is some untapped potential.
He got even better as the season went on because of a decision to incorporate more sliders to his repertoire.
He couldn’t quite stay healthy this year, but the D-Backs are banking on him to be one of their setup men.
Castro can have some issues with walks (he gave up 15 in just 29 innings this year) but he is also capable of racking up lots of strikeouts with a filthy upper-90s sinker and his excellent slider.
Overall, a solid signing by the D-Backs.
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