The Nats added Starlin Castro to their infield yesterday with a 2 year $12 million contract. Ken Rosenthal reports, the signing does not take the Nats out of contention for Josh Donaldson, but it does provide them with depth at third base if Donaldson signs elsewhere.
Castro played 45 games at the hot corner last year and was a plus defender throughout the year.
Bob Nightengale reports that Castro wanted to play for Davey Martinez. He will enhance the clubhouse with leadership, especially after the departures of veterans Anthony Rendon and Gerardo Parra earlier this offseason.
Castro played 162 games last year for a miserable Marlins team while slashing an impressive .302/.334/.558 during the second half of the season. Historically, Castro has played very well in the District, owning a career .336 batting average in 36 career appearances.
While it is highly unlikely that Castro reclaims his All-Star status of seasons past, the signing checks a lot of boxes for the Nats. He should be able able to replicate the offensive numbers of the 2019 Nats second basemen while providing stability to a position that never felt settled with Brian Dozier, Howie Kendrick, and Asdrubal Cabrera splitting time.
The Nats now have versatile options throughout the infield as Castro, Howie Kendrick, Carter Kieboom and Wilmer Difo each have the ability to play multiple positions.