Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50

Castillo doesn't boast the “wow” factor of the other top international prospects in this year’s class, but he remains a name to watch and will be an asset to the team that signs him. Simply put, the foundation is there for future success.

Physically, Castillo has a medium frame with a lean and athletic body. There’s a lot of room to project growth and strength as he matures and develops. He utilizes a wide-open stance with a slight uppercut swing and lots of quickness. Castillo has a real feel for hitting and understands the strike zone. His hit tool exceeds his power tool for now, but there is a belief he will add more pop once he adds more strength. He’s made significant improvements during the past year, and there are signs his hitting and power are coming together. Castillo is an average runner.

The teen features a quick first step, soft hands and a quick release. His arm is emerging and is expected to be average in the future. He could end up as one of the best defenders in the class. Castillo trains in the Dominican Republic with Amauris Nina, a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program.

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 60 | Overall: 45

A late bloomer physically as a Venezuelan amateur, Castillo signed for $647,500 in January 2024. He would have commanded a higher bonus had teams not previously committed most of their bonus pool money, and he definitely would now after one of the best debuts in the 2024 international class. He batted .377/.481/.415 with nearly twice as many walks (27) as strikeouts (15) in 35 games between two Rookie leagues, hitting his way to the United States after just a month in the Dominican Summer League.

With a contact-oriented right-handed stroke and a very mature approach for a teenager, Castillo has some of the best bat-to-ball skills in the system. Though he had just five extra-base hits (all doubles) in his introduction to pro ball, he has plenty of room to add strength to his 6-foot-3 frame and could grow into 15-homer power once he does. His bat speed has increased as he has begun to mature physically and should continue to do so.

Castillo has solid speed with a quick first step that should help him steal a few bases. He's a no-doubt shortstop with smooth actions, range to both sides, quick hands and solid arm strength. The Rangers love his makeup and high baseball IQ as much as they appreciate his tools.

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 60 | Overall: 45

After signing for $647,500 out of Venezuela in January, Castillo put together one of the best pro debuts in the entire 2024 international class. He slashed .377/.481/.415 with nearly twice as many walks (27) as strikeouts (15) in 35 games between the Rookie-level Dominican Summer and Arizona Complex Leagues. A late bloomer physically, he would have commanded a significantly higher bonus had teams not already committed much of their bonus pool money.

Castillo has a right-handed swing designed to make contact and an extremely advanced approach for a 17-year-old. While he totaled just five extra-base hits (all doubles) in his debut, he could have at least 15-homer power once he adds muscle to his skinny 6-foot-3 frame. His bat speed has increased as he has grown and should continue to do so as he gets stronger.

Castillo has plus-plus straight-line speed and plays more as a plus runner on the bases. He should be able to stay at shortstop with his quality actions, range to both sides, quick hands and solid arm strength. In addition to his tools, the Rangers rave about his leadership and intelligence.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/05/2025	SS Yolfran Castillo assigned to Hickory Crawdads from ACL Rangers.
	03/14/2025	SS Yolfran Castillo assigned to Texas Rangers.
	03/06/2025	activated SS Yolfran Castillo.
	07/04/2024	SS Yolfran Castillo assigned to ACL Rangers from DSL Rangers Red.
	06/02/2024	SS Yolfran Castillo assigned to DSL Rangers Red.
	01/15/2024	Texas Rangers signed free agent SS Yolfran Castillo to a minor league contract.