Minnesota Twins: What has Alexi Casilla been up to?
Fans of the Minnesota Twins will remember former infielder, Alexi Casilla. Lately, he has found himself playing for the York Revolution of the Atlantic League.
Alexi Casilla last appeared in a game for the Minnesota Twins in 2012. After a rough beginning to his Twins tenure, Casilla seemed to be the clubs’ second baseman of the future. The switch hitter flashed a good glove, top speed, and a promising bat. Where will Casilla be for the 2019 baseball season?
Casilla’s whereabouts intrigued me as I came across a tweet from the Atlantic League’s Twitter account at the end of February…
The @YorkRevolution have re-signed infielder Alexi Casilla and right-handed pitcher Troy Terzi! In addition, the team has brought aboard right-hander Jose Ortega, who pitched primarily with the Road Warriors in 2018.https://t.co/tnM2k9xpuy
— Atlantic League (@AtlanticLg) February 27, 2019
The Atlantic League never fails in being the home of intriguing ex-Major League players. Earlier this year, I wrote about Jordany Valdespin, a former prospect who stood out in the Atlantic League. Valdespin later signed a minor league contract with the Twins. Could this also be Casilla’s path back to Major League Baseball? It’s a possibility, especially if he continues to produce.
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2019 will mark Alexi Casilla’s third stint with the York Revolution. In over 170 games played, Casilla has posted an impressive slash line of .344/.393/.447. The 34-year-old will enter this season with the second highest career batting average in the history of the York Revolution.
Casilla might not be as fast as he once was, but his glove is still a very valuable piece to his game. In 2018, Casilla was selected to the Atlantic League’s Red, White, and Blue All-Defensive Team after leading the league with a .983 fielding percentage. (York Revolution info via Atlantic League).
This year will be Casilla’s 16th professional season. Even though he isn’t playing at the Major League level, we have to admire the infielder’s commitment and love for the game.
Originally a member of the Los Angeles Angels, Casilla spend a majority of his Major League time with the Minnesota Twins. The infielder was traded to the Twins in 2005 and made his Major League debut in 2006.
Over seven seasons in Minnesota, Casilla hit a respectable .250/.305/.344. The veteran owns an impressive career stolen base success rate of 88% and a career fielding percentage of .977.
Casilla’s most memorable Major League moment came in 2009 as part of game 163 versus the Detriot Tigers. In the bottom of the 12th inning, Casilla bounced a single through the right side of the infield, allowing Carlos Gomez, the winning run, to score from second base. Casilla’s clutch single allowed the Twins’ to win the AL Central, putting the club into the 2009 Playoffs.
Next. Twins sign Marwin Gonzalez to two year deal. dark
Will Alexi Casilla ever return to Major League Baseball? We will have to wait to find out, but it is always fun to check in on former players. The Somerset Patriots (of the Atlantic League) are located 15 minutes away from where I live, maybe I will catch a glimpse of former Minnesota Twins infielder Alexi Casilla at some point in 2019.