Alex Castellanos

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #11 prospect in 2013
  Castellanos can hit. He batted .408 in two seasons at NCAA Division II Belmont Abbey and became the tiny North Carolina Catholic school's first draft pick since 1972 when the Cardinals took him in 2008. He then became its first big leaguer since Hal Haid in 1933 when the Dodgers called him up last May. He came to Los Angeles in the Rafael Furcal deal at the 2011 trade deadline. Castellanos made the most of his first full season in his new organization, finishing in the top five in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in both on-base (.420) and slugging percentage (.590). He lacks a standout tool but is solid across the board. His hands work well in his swing while providing enough bat speed to give him sneaky power. His swing can get long at times, making it hard for him to get around on elevated fastballs. Castellanos played second base in college and stayed in the dirt at Triple-A last year, playing second and third, but the Dodgers consider him better suited for the outfield, where they used him during his big league time. An average runner, he played center field in the Venezuelan League this winter. Castellanos should fit in Los Angeles as a utility option, capable of playing anywhere except catcher and shortstop, as soon as this season.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #19 prospect in 2012
  In two seasons at Belmont Abbey (N.C.), an NCAA Division II program, Castellanos set school records for career batting average (.408) and single-season hits (97) and doubles (31). The first Crusader drafted since 1972, he signed with the Cardinals for $70,000 as a 10th-round pick in 2008. He set career bests in almost every category while advancing to Double-A in 2011, and St. Louis used him to get a much-need shortstop (Rafael Furcal) from the Dodgers at the July trade deadline. He has a smooth stroke and the ball jumps off his bat, giving him the potential for average power. Offspeed pitches give him problems, however, and he can be beaten by high fastballs as well. Castellanos played second and third base before moving to right field in 2010. He has above-average speed and a strong arm. Los Angeles added Castellanos to their 40-man roster after the season and will send him to Triple-A in 2012. The Dodgers had a D-II product reach the majors last year in Jerry Sands, and Castellanos could be next.