Pittsburgh Pirates: 2021 Infield & Catcher Player Grades

Sep 26, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Colin Moran (19) celebrates with catcher Jacob Stallings (58) and third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (13) after hitting a three run home run during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Colin Moran (19) celebrates with catcher Jacob Stallings (58) and third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (13) after hitting a three run home run during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 12
PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 01: Rodolfo Castro #64 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at PNC Park on August 1, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 01: Rodolfo Castro #64 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at PNC Park on August 1, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Rodolfo Castro

GRADE: D+

2021 Stats: 31 games, .198/.258/.395, 5 home runs, 8 RBI, -0.4 WAR

Maybe this one sounds a bit harsh but hear me out.

Injuries forced the Pittsburgh Pirates to promote Rodolfo Castro to the big leagues before he ever played a game in Triple-A. Upon his arrival on the scene Castro didn’t hit the ball in play too often. But when he did it usually ended up over the fence.

His cup of coffee in the major leagues proved that he has the pop to survive but he has to make contact more often. Castro recorded two multi-homer games in his first eight appearances in the majors. Unfortunately, after hitting two home runs on July 28, Castro did not hit another one over his final 22 games.

Aside from his contact numbers, Castro was a bit of a liability in the field. The Pirates were among the best fielding teams in the major leagues. Castro’s four errors in 81 chances gave him a .951 fielding percentage. That isn’t ideal.

It can’t be forgotten that Castro is still only 22-years old and won’t even turn 23 until May of 2022. He had not played in Triple-A before his call-up so he had skipped a whole level of talent.

Castro could certainly fit into the Pirate future plans. His power is undeniable. With a little bit of season in the field Castro could be a nice utility piece for the Pirates one day.

Schedule