Wilkin Castillo

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #14 prospect in 2008
  Castillo has played all over the diamond for the Diamondbacks, and the organization rewarded his versatility by adding him to the 40-man roster in November. His main position is catcher, and he played 70 games there last season in Double-A. He also played at second base, shortstop, third base and right field, and he was named the utilityman on the Southern League's postseason all-star team. Castillo has the tools to be at least an average defender at every position he plays, and he also could play first base if needed. As a catcher, he's quick and loose behind the plate, and his arm is slightly above-average. His footwork on the exchange is good and he threw out 45 percent of basestealers last year to rank second in the SL, though he can improve his receiving. Castillo also offers versatility at the plate, as a switch-hitter with speed and a little bit of pop. He has good hand-eye coordination and uses the whole field, but he's a free swinger who will expand his zone. He tends to drift through his stroke at times, which limits his power. While he runs well and especially well for a catcher, he needs to be more judicious as a basestealer after getting caught 14 times in 32 tries last year. Castillo's only real plus tool is his versatility, but that makes him an ideal role player on a big league team. He'll move up to Triple-A for 2008.