Starlin Castro, a Dominican-born infielder, began his Major League Baseball career with the Chicago Cubs. Signed as an amateur free agent in 2006, Castro quickly rose through the ranks of the Cubs' minor league system. His major league debut came on May 7, 2010, against the Cincinnati Reds, where he made an immediate splash by hitting a three-run home run in his first at-bat and setting a record for the most RBIs in a debut game with six.
During his time with the Cubs, Castro was known for his offensive skills, particularly his ability to hit for average. He was selected to the National League All-Star team three times while with Chicago, in 2011, 2012, and 2014. In 2011, he led the National League in hits, showcasing his knack for getting on base. Despite his offensive prowess, Castro's defensive play at shortstop was often scrutinized, with critics pointing to his inconsistency and occasional lapses in concentration.
In December 2015, Castro was traded to the New York Yankees, where he transitioned to playing second base. This move was part of a broader effort by the Yankees to bolster their infield with young talent. Castro continued to be a reliable hitter, earning another All-Star selection in 2017. His time in New York was marked by steady offensive production, though injuries occasionally limited his playing time.
The next chapter of Castro's career began in December 2017 when he was traded to the Miami Marlins as part of a deal for Giancarlo Stanton. With the Marlins, Castro became a veteran presence on a rebuilding team. He played two seasons in Miami, where he continued to provide consistent offensive output and served as a mentor to younger players.
In January 2020, Castro signed with the Washington Nationals. His tenure with the Nationals was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which shortened the 2020 season. Despite the challenges, Castro remained a key part of the Nationals' infield. However, his time with Washington was marred by a suspension in 2021 due to a violation of Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy, which ultimately led to his release from the team.
Throughout his career, Castro was known for his ability to collect hits and maintain a solid batting average. Over 12 seasons in the major leagues, he accumulated over 1,700 hits and maintained a career batting average above .275. While his defensive play was sometimes questioned, his offensive contributions were a constant throughout his career.
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