For the third time in the last five days, Craig Breslow and the Red Sox have made a move on the pitching front.
And this time, it was through the waiver wire, completing the trifecta following the signing of Lucas Giolito and trade of Chris Sale, with righty Max Castillo claimed off waiver from the Royals by the Red Sox.
The #RedSox today claimed RHP Max Castillo off waivers from the Kansas City Royals.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) January 2, 2024
Sep 25, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Max Castillo (60) pitches during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Kauffman Stadium. (Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports)
Castillo, who is listed at 6-foot-2 and 280 pounds, has also made nine starts for Cardenales de Lara of the Venezuelan Winter League this offseason, and has posted a 5-0 record, 2.72 ERA, and fanned 39 batters over 49.2 innings of work for the club.
This is Castillo’s fourth year in the VEWL overall, all of which have been with Cardenales de Lara.
May 12, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Max Castillo (60) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)
Originally signed by the Blue Jays in 2015, Castillo has been playing pro ball since 2016, and has an MLB resume that features an 0-3 record and 5.43 ERA in 21 games (six starts) between the Royals and Blue Jays.
His arsenal includes a fastball, changeup, and slider, with his fastball averaging out at just over 93 miles per hour last year, while his slider checks in at just under 84 miles per hour on average.
