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.

Next. Draft Prospect the Pirates Should Pass On. dark

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.