White Sox sign veteran catcher to two-year deal with an option for third year. The catcher has played eight major league seasons with four different teams.
The Chicago White Sox have made their first significant move of the offseason by signing veteran catcher Welington Castillo. The Sox signed Castillo to a two-year $15 million contract with an $8 million option for a third year in 2020.
Castillo played last season with the Baltimore Orioles and hit .282/.323/.490 with 20 home runs and 53 RBIs through 96 games. The 30-year-old has played eight major league seasons and owns a career slash line of .259/.319/.428.
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The Sox had a solid 2017 with their catching tandem of Kevan Smith and Omar Narvaez. Although both players were productive, they don’t have the same major league experience as Castillo. Castillo came up with the Cubs in 2010. He was good in 2016 with the Arizona Diamondbacks as he hit .264/.322/.423 with 14 home runs and 68 RBIs.
According to Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune, the Sox attempted to sign Castillo last offseason but were outbid by the Orioles. Now, the Sox have their catcher who could help the younger pitchers continue to develop during this current rebuild.
GM Rick Hahn said White Sox pursued catcher Welington Castillo prior to last season but lost out to Orioles.
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) December 1, 2017
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The Sox also announced on Friday that they agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.05 million contract with right-handed pitcher Danny Farquhar, avoiding arbitration. Farquhar appeared in 15 games for the Sox this past season and compiled a 4.40 ERA with a 2-0 record.