Twins sign International prospect Ariel Castro

[Teflon]

The Twins spent $2.5 million to sign the 16-year-old Cuban prospect, Ariel Castro, and -surprise- he's a lefty hitting outfielder. Here's the blurb on him from MLB.com:

DOB: 2/17/2006

Bats:  L    Throws:  L

Ht:  6-2   Wt:  180

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 55

If you are looking for one of the smoothest left-handed swings in the class, look no further than Castro.

The Cuban outfielder continues to develop physically and has emerged as one of the top hitters on the international market. There’s lots of projection with Castro, and he could end up with above-average power. At times, he appears really advanced at the plate. At other times, he looks raw. But there is no denying that bat and his upside because of it.

On defense, he shows good instincts in center field and a solid arm. He could end up being a power-hitting corner outfielder. He projects to be an average runner. 

Castro trains with Jaime Ramos in the Dominican Republic. The Twins have shown interest in him. Ramos is a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program.

[nicksaviking]

Finally a Cuban player!

Wait, this isn't that serial killer from Cleveland is it?

[strumdatjag]

How did he escape Cuba?

[Trov]

34 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Finally a Cuban player!

Wait, this isn't that serial killer from Cleveland is it?

Technically, that Ariel Castro was not a serial killer, he did not kill his victims, they all lived. 

[Trov]

I pay little attention to international prospect rankings.  In 2015, Juan Soto was ranked 22nd according to MLB rankings.  Gilberto Celestino was 7th.  Tatis Jr. was ranked 27th.  It is almost impossible to project 16 year olds.  Some turn into Juan Soto, and some never make it out of high A.  We have had plenty that fade quickly, but then we have had Sano, Kepler, Polanco.  Most recently we have Rodriguez from 2019 looking like he could be a stud. 

Hopefully this guy is a stud, but I pay no attention to the rankings when we are talking about 16 year old kids that some have not hit their last growth spurt. 

[Teflon]

Castro is a month away from being 17 and is already good-sized at 6-2 and 180. I could see him growing into a Torii Hunter physique as he matures.  Torii Hunter abilities would be nice, too, but that would be a pretty high bar.  

[Dman]

3 minutes ago, Teflon said:

Castro is a month away from being 17 and is already good-sized at 6-2 and 180. I could see him growing into a Torii Hunter physique as he matures.  Torii Hunter abilities would be nice, too, but that would be a pretty high bar.  

Yeah I like this pick\signing for the Twins.  He has one of the best bats in this years class. If you are going to take a guy with even just one good\plus tool I would make it the bat.  Kid has a nice strong build to top it off and looks built for power so I like the odds.  Still has to have a good eye at the plate and play defense and find ways to be the best of the best so as others have said a long ways to go.  My first impression of this kid is a good one though.

[Beast]

2 hours ago, Trov said:

Technically, that Ariel Castro was not a serial killer, he did not kill his victims, they all lived. 

Killing them probably would’ve been kinder than what he did.  If we need to get technical.

[Minderbinder]

I believe that's a picture of another Ariel Castro, a 2024 HS grad-to-be from Kissimmee, FL, a SS/2B who measures 5-11" 180 lb.   Good try.