MLB: Harold Castro with merits to extend his stay in the best baseball in the world

Frederlin Castro

In 2022, Harold Castro played 120 games, the best number of his career. Interestingly, he hit better in the majors than he did in the minors. Along the way, he earned a nickname: Hittin’ Harold.

Castro rarely hit for power, but as AJ Hinch often said, “When you need a single, he’s your guy.” He seemed to have a knack for hitting in decisive moments.

But all good stories have to come to an end, and this one ended after the 2022 World Series when Castro was not loaned, or was not offered a contract for 2023.

AJ Hinch added that the four players the Tigers recently parted ways with — Candelario, Victor Reyes, Harold Castro and Willi Castro — were all very high character, good teammates, good people.

— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) December 6, 2022

It seems unfair that the move comes after the best season of his career., which ended with a string of three straight three-hitter games, but that’s the business of baseball. 29-year-old Castro (will win about $2.6 million in 2023 through arbitration). His production has been consistent, so consistent that it’s pretty clear there won’t be a “breakout” campaign. He is what he is: A utility man who gets enough singles and doubles to hit .280 or better each year, but doesn’t walk much or hit with much power.

Let’s hope that his time this season for the winter ball in the Leones del Caracas be enough to find Hittin’ Harold a job somewhere in 2023. And who knows? Maybe he’ll even end up back with the Tigers before he finishes his career.

Being released by the Detroit Tigers does not demotivate him but rather gives Harold Castro an extra pang to seek the title with Caracas in the LVBP #Caracas #Featured #HaroldCastro #Caracas Lions #LVBPhttps://t.co/WYMYDGUPuh pic.twitter.com/j1k8jm82NY

— World Baseball (@Beismundial) November 23, 2022

For now, it deserves a round of applause and a farewell applause. Castro wore the Tigers’ jersey for five seasons and spent more than 11 years in the organization, longer than anyone on the team except Miguel Cabrera. Castro was a feel-good story in 2018, but he wanted more than that. He beat long odds to become a bona fide major leaguer.