PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It's likely the Pirates will trade Adam Frazier. The 29-year-old second baseman becomes a free agent after next season. He's hitting well over .300 on a team struggling for offense. He can play a number of positions and is a Gold Glove finalist at second. He would be an asset to many contending teams.
Who the Pirates replace Frazier with likely isn't currently at AAA Indianapolis. Rather a step below in Altoona in switch-hitter Rodolfo Castro.
"He's a big leaguer playing in AA," said Curve manager Miguel Perez.
The numbers would show that. He's top 10 in hits, runs, home runs, RBI and batting average in the Double A Northeast League. He even got a taste of the majors, going 0 for 3 against the Tigers on April 21.
"I was a little concerned how he would, especially in the beginning of the year, handle being a big leaguer in AA," Perez said. "He has done everything in his power to get that promotion. I don't know when that will happen. It's hard to predict that. He's doing everything to get back."
"I feel good, just control the controllables all the time," Castro told 93.7 The Fan. "Just try to play hard every single season to get to the next level. The season started quick making the 40-man roster. I'm so happy. It gives me confidence to work harder to get better."
Through June 23, Castro was hitting .375 with 6 doubles, 7 home runs, 26 RBI in this month alone. He even called a game-winning home run June 9.
The 22-year-old signed out of the Dominican Republic hit 19 home runs in his last full season in 2019 between the two A-ball teams. He has an enthusiasm about him that appears to be contagious with his peers.
"Enjoying the game with teammates is everything," Castro said. "I bring a lot of energy to the game and then feed off their energy. I want to have good relationships with teammates and show my love for the game. I believe we win more games when we play together."
The switch-hitter and righty fielder can play shortstop along with third and second base. He started this season at third, but moved to second after the injury to Ji-hwan Bae, holding a .950 fielding percentage. With Ke'Bryan Hayes a likely fixture at third for years to come, second would be the best option for Castro.
He tells 93.7 The Fan he doesn't care where it is, he just wants another, and more prolonged, opportunity in the majors.
"I'm very excited to help this team at this level and someday at the big league level too," Castro said. "I cannot wait for the opportunity to get a big league job."
Given what he's accomplished the first two months of the season, that may not be far away.
