Philadelphia Phillies: Ali Castillo a fascinating underdog story

Despite spending a dozen years in the minors, Ali Castillo has yet to make his major league debut. He is doing what he can to force the Philadelphia Phillies hand.

Ali Castillo is, at this point, the definition of the minor league journeyman. He began his odyssey in affiliated ball with the Yankees in 2008, and spent just over three years in the Dominican Summer League before finally coming stateside. Castillo finally reached AAA for the first time in 2015, then spent the next three seasons bouncing between AA and AAA for the Giants. Last season, his first with the Philadelphia Phillies, was the same, as he spent 16 games in AA Reading before finishing out the season in Lehigh Valley.

Along the way, Castillo put together an impressive season. Between those two stops, he posted a .322/.364/.453 batting line, hitting eight homers and 27 doubles. While he does not have the same speed he once possessed, Castillo still managed five triples and stole six bases. For those efforts, he was named the Iron Pigs Hitter of the Year.

Castillo continued his hot play through the Venezuelan Winter League and on into spring training. A non-roster invitee, he only appeared in four games with the Phillies before spring training came to a close. In those four games, and six plate appearances, he had five hits, including two doubles, and scored four runs.

While that production has value, Castillo also has a great deal of defensive versatility. He can play every spot in the infield and the outfield, showing respectable range at every position. Castillo spent more time in the outfield than before in 2019, adding another element to his game.

With rosters increasing to 26 players when the season begins, players that can be slotted anywhere in the lineup have a great deal of value. Castillo would not only be able to plug into any spot, but he could provide a respectable batting eye and decent speed off the bench. And, perhaps as important to the Phillies, he would be an inexpensive option.

Ali Castillo is an extreme longshot to make the Philadelphia Phillies roster. However, given his production and defensive versatility, he may finally get to make his major league debut.