Daniel Castro

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Atlanta Braves #31 prospect in 2016
  Samaniego. Castro continued his rapid ascent through the organization by making his major league debut with the Braves--and receiving two subsequent callups--in 2015. He blistered the Southern League at Double-A Mississippi during the first month of the campaign, hitting .389 through 23 games, prior to a promotion to Triple-A Gwinnett. Castro signed with Atlanta in 2009 and proceeded to spend two years in the Dominican Summer League and a year and a half in the Mexican League. He did not make his U.S. debut until 2013, whereupon he took over the shortstop position from Jose Peraza in the high Class A Carolina League. He has consistently displayed soft, steady hands with excellent footwork. He does a good job of positioning himself and anticipating plays, and he possesses solid-average arm strength with good accuracy and carry on his throws. Castro has consistent at-bats, makes steady contact at the plate and is capable of driving the ball, though he has below-average power. He also is an intelligent baserunner but will not steal a lot of bases. Castro played second base, third base and shortstop in the big leagues in 2015 and profiles as a utility player. He should be part of Atlanta's 25-man roster in 2016.
• 
  Ranked Atlanta Braves #25 prospect in 2015
  Castro spent two seasons playing in the Dominican Summer League after signing with the Braves, but then he returned to his native Mexico to play a year and a half with Saltillo. He batted higher than .300 in Mexico and earned all-star honors in 2013 prior to making his U.S. debut at high Class A Lynchburg that season. Castro took over as Lynchburg's shortstop in 2014, while Jose Peraza moved to second base. Castro does a good job of barreling pitches with his compact, line-drive stroke from the right side, and while he lacks home run power, he has some doubles pop. He is a smart baserunner but has fringy speed. He shows soft, steady hands on defense with good footwork. He moves well and positions himself correctly to make plays. His accuracy and the carry on his throws help his average arm play up. Castro profiles as a utility infielder. After passing unselected through the Rule 5 draft, Castro should return to Mississippi.