Phillips Castillo

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #10 prospect in 2012
  Castillo signed in July 2010 for $2.2 million, at the time a franchise record for a foreign amateur. He followed in the footsteps of Guillermo Pimentel by raking in the Arizona League as a 17-year-old last summer, tying for the league lead with 18 doubles and recording an .848 OPS. Castillo's offensive production will carry him. He produces above-average bat speed with a seemingly effortless swing and the ball jumps off his bat. He has good balance at the plate and an understanding of the strike zone, though he tends to be overly aggressive. As he becomes stronger and learns to be more patient, it's not hard to envision him anchoring the middle of a lineup. The other parts of Castillo game are understandably raw. He's still learning to read pickoff moves and take proper routes in the outfield. He's a fringy runner who might lose a step as he fills out his large, athletic frame. He could wind up in right field if his average arm improves as he gets stronger. Castillo will require time to develop but his bat should be worth the wait. He'll likely follow the same path as Pimentel, starting 2012 in extended spring training to smooth out his rough edges before joining Everett or Rookie-level Pulaski in June.
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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #20 prospect in 2011
  The Mariners spent just $4 million on their 2010 draft but made up for it by shelling out $5.1 million for a pair of talented Dominican hitters. They signed Castillo for $2.2 million in July, a club record for an international amateur until shortstop Esteilon Peguero inked for $2.9 million in December. As with any Latin American teenager, Castillo's game is raw, but he stands out for his impressive build and potential at the plate. He was already 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds as a 16-year-old, with great strength for his age and physical projection remaining. Castillo swings hard, showing above-average raw power. The ball explodes off his bat, thanks to his quick hands and excellent barrel whip. He shows the ability to handle breaking balls and can crush pitches down in the zone. He does have a small hitch in his swing that will need to be ironed out, but the tools are there for him to be an impact hitter. Castillo has average speed but may lose a step as he fills out, so he'll be limited to an outfield corner. He has the plus arm strength to play in right field and needs work on defensive fundamentals. Castillo has strong makeup and could follow the same path Guillermo Pimentel took in his first full season with the Mariners, starting in extended spring training before heading to the Arizona League.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Arizona Complex League #2 prospect in 2011
  One of the marquee names in the 2010 international signing period, Castillo signed for $2.2 million, a Mariners record for a foreign amateur. In instructional league last fall, he looked every bit as raw as expected from a 16-year-old who had played very little organized baseball. He returned this year a more refined hitter, though he still has a lot of development ahead of him. Castillo hit .300/.366/.482 in his pro debut and tied for the league lead in doubles with 18. He already plenty of bat speed and a strong, athletic body, so those doubles should turn into homers as he matures physically and as a hitter. He shows an aptitude for making adjustments in the batter's box and should hit for average as well. Castillo's speed is slightly below average but may improve as the Mariners teach him improved running techniques. He has worked at all three outfield positions and is most comfortable in left field. He has an average, accurate arm that could get better once he refines throwing mechanics.

• December, 2011 Scouting Report
  Background: Castillo signed in July 2010 for $2.2 million, at the time a franchise record for a foreign amateur. He followed in the footsteps of Guillermo Pimentel by raking in the Arizona League as a 17-year-old last summer, tying for the league lead with 18 doubles and recording an .848 OPS.Scouting Report: Castillo's offensive production will carry him. He produces above-average bat speed with a seemingly effortless swing and the ball jumps off his bat. He has good balance at the plate and an understanding of the strike zone, though he tends to be overly aggressive. As he becomes stronger and learns to be more patient, it's not hard to envision him anchoring the middle of a lineup. The other parts of Castillo's game are understandably raw. He's still learning to read pickoff moves and take proper routes in the outfield. He's a fringy runner who might lose a step as he fills out his large, athletic frame. He could wind up in right field if his average arm improves as he gets stronger.The Future: Castillo will require time to develop but his bat should be worth the wait. He'll likely follow the same path as Pimentel, starting 2012 in extended spring training to smooth out his rough edges before joining short-season Everett or Rookie-level Pulaski in June.