The Chicago White Sox bullpen has been one of the worst parts of the team this season, and it has lacked someone with closing experience to lock down games. In ten save opportunities, the White Sox have converted only three into saves, so adding and finding more high-quality arms to lock down games is a must for the White Sox to capitalize on the young starting pitching performances.
The White Sox added to their bullpen last week by claiming right-hander Yoendrys Gómez from the Los Angeles Dodgers to sure up their bullpen and potentially see if he could be an option for the closer’s role. The White Sox seem to be making another move to sure up their pen by making a trade for a quality veteran reliever.
The Chicago White Sox sure up their bullpen by trading for a veteran reliever
In a great move to sure up their bullpen, Baseball Insider Robert Murray reports that sources are telling him that the White Sox are trading for veteran reliever Miguel Castro, who has been pitching for the Houston Astros’ Triple-A affiliate. In 17 games with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, Castro has a 3-0 record with a 2.29 ERA and has converted five saves in six opportunities.
“Sources: The Chicago White Sox are acquiring pitcher Miguel Castro in a trade with the Houston Astros. Castro, 30, was most recently in the majors last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He has a 2.29 ERA in 17 games in Triple-A this season.”
As Murray said, Castro last pitched in the big leagues in 2024, where he had a 5.93 ERA in 11 games (13.2 innings) with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Castro does have some closing experience, as he has 14 career saves under his belt.
Castro should add value to the White Sox bullpen
Castro will add value to the White Sox bullpen as he has taken down high-leverage innings in his career. Castro’s best year in the big leagues came during the 2021 season, when he pitched for the New York Mets and had a 3.45 ERA in 69 appearances (70.1 innings).
With the trade deadline looming in the distance, adding Castro to the bullpen makes so much sense for the White Sox to do, as if he can be anywhere near the player he was in 2021 or 2022, where he had a 4.03 ERA, then the White Sox will have suitors lined up for him. The White Sox will need to make room on their 40-man roster for Castro, as their latest move to trade for Vinny Capra put them at the limit. Jared Shuster or Tyler Gilbert could be possible options to be sent down to Triple-A, as both have already been optioned this season.
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