When the New York Yankees acquired Starlin Castro from the Chicago Cubs, their intent was to use him as their starting second baseman. That's seemingly still the plan, but rumors suggest he could be used at other infield positions to provide rest for other players.
Does this mean Castro can develop into a successful utility player for the Yanks?
Previous rumors touched upon Castro becoming Chase Headley's backup at third base, which is still under consideration as spring training approaches, but the team is also hoping to give him some time at his old position.
General manager Brian Cashman told George A. King III of the New York Post yesterday that there'd be "no problem" if Castro had to play short because "he has played the left side of the infield." This scenario would give Didi Gregorius some days off.
Castro played 844 games at shortstop during his first six MLB seasons before Cubs manager Joe Maddon moved him over to second base last year in favor of rookie Addison Russell. Castro's career fielding percentage at shortstop (.963) is below the league average (.972), but his experience will likely allow him to fill in there minimally, when needed.
New York understands Castro comes with his defensive flaws, but they have confidence that the former Cub can turn around his struggles and be reliable.
"Castro's defensive efficiency also was poor - 31st out of 45 players with at least 250 innings at second," writes Joel Sherman of the New York Post. "But the Yanks believe Castro's youth, athleticism and growing familiarity with the position will lead to improvements."
As for third, Cashman has some concern since Castro has never played the position, but that's not going to stop the Yankees from experimenting.
"Third base would be a question. If he can, he can. If he can't, he can't," Cashman added. "That's what spring training is for, exploring options. We will find out."
Right now the Yankees' infield depth is poor, to say the least. Castro is listed as the team's backup shortstop and third baseman despite being the starting second baseman. However, the Yanks have some internal options at second, including Dustin Ackley and Rob Refsnyder.
It's certainly feasible that the team uses Castro as their primary second baseman and also works to make him some sort of a utility player, especially since manager Joe Girardi may want to make time for Ackley in order to get his intriguing left-handed bat into the lineup.
And, since it's always fun to do, we can think ahead a few years down the road. Castro, 25, is under contract for four more seasons. Headley, 31, is under contract for three more seasons. Alex Rodriguez is under contract for two more seasons.
What's my point?
Top prospect Jorge Mateo could be ready to make his MLB debut in a couple of years. If that's the case, and Castro proves he can play third effectively, the team could shift Headley to DH (since he defense is rapidly declining), Castro to third and call up Matteo to play second (he was taking reps at the position during the Instructional League) and pair up with Gregorius in the middle infield. At that point Greg Bird will be the starting first baseman, which could make for one of the more impressive MLB infields.
The Yankees did not sign a single free agent this offseason. They made their moves on the trade market and they're relying on guys like Castro to contribute as much as possible in 2016 and beyond.
