Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Four Curve Players Pushing for a Promotion

Mar 1, 2019; Dunedin, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Rodolfo Castro (90) throws to first base to retire Toronto Blue Jays catcher Luke Maile (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Dunedin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2019; Dunedin, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Rodolfo Castro (90) throws to first base to retire Toronto Blue Jays catcher Luke Maile (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Dunedin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Pittsburgh Pirates
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA – MARCH 05: Rodolfo Castro #64 of the Pittsburgh Pirates fields a ground ball during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during a spring training game at Phillies Spring Training Ball Park on March 05, 2021 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Utility man Rodolfo Castro

Unlike the other players on this list, utility man Rodolfo Castro has played above the Double-A level before. In fact, for those who remember, Castro made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier this season. While Castro went 0-for-3 in his first MLB stint, he continues to have a bright future ahead for himself in the Majors.

In 158 PAs with the Curve this season Castro has hit for a .303/.348/.542 slash line to go with a 136 wRC+. The switch-hitter has flashed his power potential with a .239 ISO, 8 home runs and an extra base hit rate of 10.8%.

Castro also adds value with his defensive ability. He can play third base, shortstop, second base and the outfield. The Pittsburgh Pirates likely have big long-term plans for Castro. He could be a starter for the club, as well as one of the best utility men in the National League the way Josh Harrison was. The big difference is Castro has a lot more power potential in his game than Harrison ever did.

Although Castro has made his MLB debut he has yet to play at the Triple-A level. This could, and quite honestly should, soon. Honestly, it would be a surprise if Castro does not make his way back to the Majors before the end of the 2021 season.

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