The Chicago Cubs have made a deal just under the wire on MLB trade deadline day, acquiring utilityman Willi Castro.
The Cubs confirmed Thursday they are bringing in the 2024 All-Star, who will be a free agent at season’s end.
In exchange, the Cubs are sending prospect pitchers Ryan Gallagher and Sam Armstrong to Minnesota in the deal.
In a corresponding roster move, Miguel Amaya has been placed on the 60-day injured list by the Cubs.
In 86 games this season, Castro has split time primarily between third base and the outfield. He has 10 home runs and 27 RBI’s, and is slashing .245/.335/.407 on the year. He also has nine stolen bases to his credit.
Castro is in the final year of his contract with the Twins, making $6.4 million, and he’ll hit unrestricted free agency for the first time in the offseason.
Gallagher, a 2024 pick for the Cubs, has appeared in 16 minor league games this season, and was pitching in Double-A at the time of the trade. Overall he has a record of 4-6 on the year, with a 3.86 ERA. He has 96 strikeouts in 84 innings.
Armstrong, a 2023 13th round pick, has pitched in 19 games for Double-A Knoxville, with a 2-7 record and a 4.62 ERA. He has a 1.26 WHIP and a strikeout-rate of 7.2 batters per nine innings.