New York Yankees: Starlin Castro was never part of the future plans

Starlin Castro played well at second base for the New York Yankees across the previous two seasons. But with the most recent transaction, he’s essentially starting a new career elsewhere.

What a trade – well prospective trade.

The New York Yankees get last year’s National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton. The Miami Marlins get to rebuild without the outfielder’s outstanding contract. New York prospects get to start fresh in a new organization.

Starlin Castro, other hand, received the short end of the stick.

After enjoying two productive seasons in the Bronx, the Yankees shipped the second baseman to South Beach. On the cusp of capturing his first World Series ring, Castro now has to hope he gets dealt elsewhere. 

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He could end up back in New York with the Mets, or he could find his way to the West Coast – Angels, anyone? Either way, he won’t be on the Yankees’ roster as they propel back into the spotlight as the “Evil Empire.”

But the trade elucidated at least one fact. Castros wasn’t in Cashman’s plan for the future, and maybe he never was following the trade for Gleyber Torres.

Castro did enjoy hot stretches that convinced the front office to let him stick around. Among second basemen with more than 400 at-bats, the former Cub ranked fifth in average. He also punched 16 homers and accrued 63 in last year’s campaign.

Cashman likely doesn’t have anything against Castro. But business is business. With a farm system stacked with prodigious infielders like Torres, Tyler Wade, Miguel Andujar and Thairo Estrada, most mid-tier infielders would be hoisted out of their role.

The four-time All-Star worked well with shortstop Didi Gregorius and did provide depth in the lineup. But he’s not Stanton, nor will he be able to generate a similar productivity in the power categories.

Castro had some good moments and an opportunity to shine in the postseason, something unimaginable during his stint in Chicago. And he could be heading toward his prime, as he posted a career-high slugging percentage and OPS.

There will be room for him on a contending squad, whether the Marlins trade him during the offseason meetings or next season. Or, if he dedicates himself to Miami’s future plans, he may even reach the postseason once again.

Meanwhile, Yankees manager Aaron Boone will need to determine who will be the club’s starting second baseman. Ronald Torreyes and Wade will probably battle it out, unless the team makes another deal.

Wade struggled mightily during his first chance in the big leagues. Torreyes, though not a power hitter, was serviceable, hitting nearly .300 with 36 RBIs. But he faces a similar issue that Castro had – a lack of plate discipline. Torreyes drew just 11 walks in 315 at-bats.

Next: Yankees grab Stanton in blockbuster deal

Nevertheless, New York and its fans won’t be weeping with Castro on the next bus out. That’s what acquiring a guy that blasted 59 moonshots last year will do.