Catcher Welington Castillo made a decision earlier this offseason that his solid overall season in 2017 would make him worth more on the open market than the $7 million player option he held with the Orioles for 2018.
So, he rolled the dice, declined the option and became a free agent.
And, according to various reports Friday, the slight gamble paid off as Castillo agreed to a two-year, $15 million contract with the Chicago White Sox that includes an $8 million option for 2020.
Castillo, 30, hit a career-best 20 homers while batting .282 in 365 plate appearances with the Orioles last year. He also set his career-high for a full season by throwing out 49 percent of would-be basestealers.
The Orioles signed Castillo to a one-year, $6 million deal (with the player option) last December after Castillo was non-tendered by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Castillo lost some time last year due to injuries, but for the most part turned in a solid season. With a strong second half, the Orioles expected Castillo to become a free agent this winter.
And though they appreciated his services, the club seems content with Caleb Joseph and rookie Chance Sisco as its primary catching options for 2018. Although, the Orioles could add a veteran catcher to serve as a backup in case Sisco is not ready defensively for the majors at the start of 2018.
The Athletic first reported news of the signing and Yahoo Sports added contract details.
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Wellington is one of those good news stories you don’t hear about very often. He gave the Orioles a good solid season and parlayed that into a multi-year deal. I’m happy for him personally, tho hope he doesn’t turn into a Nellie Cruz - a one year guy who we should have kept.
This is one of the cases where I wish we'd have tried to retain a player's services more aggressively. I would rather have found a way to trade Trumbo and keep Castillo as a DH/platoon catcher. I wish the guy well, though. Just hope he doesn't punish us for it when we play the Sox.
I agree the Orioles never try to retain a good player before they become free agents. I know Wellington situation is different but why aren't we trying to retain Manny and AJ right now instead of them hitting the free agent market then the Orioles will say we tried but couldn't match other teams offers. If a player feels wanted he may sign an extension...
I just don't see it guys? Why is everyone in Charm City infatuated with this guy? He had a decent season ... probably a career year in a bandbox of a ballpark ... buy in my opinion, he wasn't much of a presence behind the plate. I know all the regulars around here will simply laugh me off as being the worlds biggest (as well as most bitter) Wieters apologist, but frankly I'll hold the door open for him on his way out of town! This is simply no great loss.
Boog - you are amazingly consistent. I️ find it agonizingly hard to analyze the effectiveness a catcher has on his pitchers. It would be great to have differential W/L stats on our pitchers last year if Matt was behind the plate instead of Wellington. I’ll give you that Matt was better, but how much better?
In my book, Wellington had a good year at the plate and did a good job for the O’s. I’m happy for him and hope he doesn’t make us regret letting him walk.
I look at Castillo's productivity and think that it was a product of playing in the AL East in lots of hitter-friendly parks. From that perspective, I thought that he'd be good to keep on because he seems like a good fit in the division. I'd have hung onto him to DH and platoon at catcher with Joseph to give Sisco a little more time to develop, especially, as you noted, it's not a whole lot more money per year.
The White Sox didn't seem to offer Castillo much more than the O's in cash although it's a two-year deal. If I'm not mistaken, it's a club option for the third year rather than a player option. i think Castillo saw a better playing opportunity, considering that, especially over several years, he'd have to compete for time with the Joseph/Sisco entry. I don't fault the Birds here. The deal seems to make sense on all sides.
Wish him well. Probably hit .500 against the O's next 3 years. Maybe more if DD cant sign quality pitching