Willi Castro finalizes two-year, $12.8 million contract with Colorado Rockies after passing physical

Willi Castro dons Rockies purple during introductory press conference at Coors Field.

Free agent utilityman Willi Castro completed his physical and officially signed a two-year, $12.8 million deal with the Colorado Rockies on Thursday. The switch-hitter spent last season split between Minnesota and Chicago, where he hit .226 with 11 homers and 33 RBI across 123 games. Colorado cleared a 40-man roster spot by designating right-hander Garret Acton for assignment to accommodate the 28-year-old.

Castro projects as the everyday third baseman while providing cover across second base, shortstop and all three outfield spots. He earned 2024 All-Star honors with Minnesota after posting 5.4 fWAR across 2023-24 while playing every position except catcher. The former Tigers prospect even pitched one inning last year.

The contract marks Colorado's second multiyear commitment this winter after right-hander Michael Lorenzen's one-year pact with a 2027 option. Castro follows a 2025 campaign that ended poorly post-trade deadline with a .170 average over 34 games for the Cubs. Coors Field altitude offers rebound potential after his .710 OPS career mark.

Rockies president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta targeted Castro's defensive flexibility to support young infielders Ezequiel Tovar and Adael Amador. The Puerto Rico native stole 33 bases in 38 attempts through 2025 while walking 8.3 percent of the time. His contact skills address Colorado's 28th-ranked on-base percentage last season.

Spring training begins February 21 at Salt River Fields. Castro gives manager Bud Black everyday lineup stability amid a rotation featuring Kyle Freeland, Ryan Feltner and top prospect Chase Dollander. The club opens regular season March 27 at San Diego.