At last month’s Diamond Awards, manager Rocco Baldelli floated the idea of Castro seeing time at first base in 2025, which is a position he has never played professionally.
With Carlos Santana’s departure, the Twins have a glaring hole at first base, and Castro’s adaptability could make him an intriguing option.
The Versatility Record-Setter
Last season, Castro made history by becoming the first player in MLB history to appear in at least 20 games at five different positions in a single season. His ability to play nearly everywhere on the diamond was invaluable for the Twins, mainly when injuries tested the team’s depth. He played every infield position except first base, and now the Twins might be looking to complete the set.
While his defensive versatility is an asset, first base presents a unique challenge.
The Twins have put some unconventional options at first base in recent years, including Luis Arráez.
Like the outfield and middle infield, first base requires strong footwork and quick instincts, but it also demands a specialized ability to pick throws out of the dirt. Sometimes, it takes multiple years for a player to acclimate to first, and those skills that Castro has yet to showcase professionally.
Who Else Is in the Mix?
With Santana gone, the current first base depth chart is murky. José Miranda has the most experience at first base, but his defense remains a question mark. Last season, Miranda had a .888 OPS in the first half and a .543 OPS in the second half.
First basemen must produce offensively, and he struggled down the stretch. Edouard Julien has struggled defensively at second base and doesn’t project as an ideal first baseman either. He also struggled last season to the point where the team sent him to Triple-A.
Neither Miranda nor Julien brings the defensive stability that Santana provided, which is why the Twins might be exploring creative solutions like Castro.
It’s clear that Castro brings athleticism to the table, and if he can develop the necessary skills, he could become an intriguing stopgap option. However, he is a free agent at the end of the season, so it would indeed be a one-year fix for the Twins.
Minnesota has leaned on Castro to fill defensive holes before, and he’s handled those challenges well. However, first base requires specific skills that take time to develop, and there’s no guarantee Castro can make the transition seamlessly. Playing Castro at first also takes him away from other, more valuable defensive positions.
A Realistic Plan or Just an Idea?
Baldelli’s comments during Twins Fest weekend suggest that the Twins are at least considering Castro at first base, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will happen.
The team could look externally for another option, whether through free agency or a trade, before Opening Day. It’s also possible that Castro’s ability to play all over the field remains too valuable for the Twins to lock him into a single position.
If Castro does get reps at first base, it will likely be a work in progress during spring training. The Twins’ coaching staff would need to work with him extensively to develop his footwork and scooping ability.
He has the athleticism to make it work, but playing first base at a Gold Glove-caliber level, like Santana, is a tall order. The Twins will get less defensive value at first base in 2025, which might be a tough pill to swallow for a young pitching staff where every out is critical.
Castro’s versatility has been a game-changer for the Twins, and adding first base to his toolset could further increase his value.
However, jumping to an entirely new position at the major league level is no small task. It seems most likely that the Twins would use a combination of Miranda, Julien, and Castro at first base. If the Twins don’t add a proven first baseman before Opening Day, Castro could get a shot, but whether he sticks there long-term remains to be seen.
Would you like to see Castro get a look at first base, or should the Twins seek outside help? Leave a comment and start the discussion.
