The Washington Nationals have had issues finding catching depth this season. They have already gone through four backstops, including a brief Jonathan Lucroy Era when their primary catchers were sidelined due to COVID related precautions at the beginning of the year. However, they had made certain to have depth ready in the minors if need be, with Welington Castillo ready at Triple-A in case the need arose.
However, that is no longer the case. Castillo has decided that it is time to retire, providing a blow to the Nationals catching depth.
A note on the Nationals’ organizational catching depth: Welington Castillo has retired. He was with the team for the last two springs, opted out of playing in 2020 and was on the taxi squad for a couple road trips earlier this year.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) July 4, 2021
Washington Nationals catcher Welington Castillo hangs up the cleats
Castillo had not received much game action this season, with just 37 plate appearances at Triple-A. Instead, he had spent time on the Nationals’ taxi squad, ready to be activated in an instant should he be needed. That moment never happened.
This was the second consecutive year that the Nationals had planned on having Castillo around as a depth option. He had signed prior to the 2020 campaign, but had opted out due to the pandemic. Washington’s willingness to bring him back for 2021 just showed how well regarded he was by the front office.
Castillo posted solid numbers over his time in the majors. While he never won any awards or made an All Star Game, he was a solid catcher, someone that teams coveted, as he was a part of seven different organizations, including a one day stint with the Rangers. In that time, he posted a .254/.313/.426 batting line in his 2701 plate appearances, hitting 98 homers and 126 doubles.
While he had a solid career, one has to wonder if he missed an opportunity in Washington. There was a chance for a more offensive minded catcher to get playing time, but his decision to sit out last season caused that opportunity to pass him by. In the end, his health and safety are far more important, especially in the wake of what had already been a respectable career.
The Washington Nationals will need to find more catching depth. Welington Castillo has decided to retire, leaving a hole on their roster.