Pittsburgh Pirates: Team Should Pass on Del Castillo

With all the attention on the Pittsburgh Pirates and their first overall pick, the club will have the chance to add more talent in the second round.

When the Draft discussions first started, the two Vandy pitchers were in the mix but there was also a catcher.  Adrian Del Castillo, of Miami, was a player seen by the public as a potential first pick candidate.  He was notable for his hitting ability and being a left-handed bat.  However, he has fallen down draft boards.

On the year, Del Castillo has hit .275/.380/.395 while showing a good eye (27 walks and 28 strikeouts) but the power has not arrived and is lagging.  He was never seen as good or plus defender, but the bat was his calling card.  He posted a .955 OPS in his freshman season and a 1.025 OPS in an abbreviated season last year.  However, his .775 OPS this year has moved him down.

Now, FanGraphs ranks him as the 43rd best prospect and Baseball America 24th.  This puts him in the range of being available with the 37th overall pick.  While other top prospects such as Jaden Hill or Gunnar Hoglund could be intriguing there given their prospect status, those two are coming off an injury.  Del Castillo has struggled and is sliding down due to performance.

Baseball America writes that

“That lack of over-the-fence power is concerning for teams who are skeptical about Del Castillo sticking behind the plate at the next level. He would have to play a corner spot if he can’t catch, which will put more pressure on his bat and his power production.”

As a result, if Del Castillo is available at pick 37, the Pittsburgh Pirates should pass.  The team has chased upside and flexibility in their trades and draft picks, trying to get players before they break out.  Del Castillo is the opposite.  He is a player sliding in the rankings because of poor performance.  The team needs more catching depth but should pass on the chance to take Del Castillo.