Royals Prospect Spotlight: Darwin Castillo

Darwin Castillo, Pitcher

Born: 10/27/92

Birthplace: Manhattan, New York

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 180

Throws: Right

Bats: Right

Darwin Castillo signed with the Kansas City Royals as a free agent in February, 2011, out of the Dominican Prospect League.  At the impressive size of 6’4″, 180 pounds, Darwin possesses ideal size for a pitcher, and a low-mid 90′s fastball.  No doubt the Royals fell in love with the projectable size and velocity of this 18 year old prospect.

Castillo spent the 2012 season in the Arizona League, pitching for the Royals Rookie League affiliate.  He logged 22.2 innings in a relief role.  In those innings, Castillo posted a 4.76 ERA, and fanned 23 batters.

Castillo is active on Twitter, and can be followed at: @castillomlb55

In an effort to become more acquainted with the Kansas City Royals fanbase, Darwin was kind enough to answer a few questions for me.

Q: What sparked your interest in playing baseball?

DC:  Competition! I love all sports.  Growing up in New York City, all me and my friends did was play baseball, basketball and football.  One of my coaches, Geraldo De La Cruz, told me to decide which sport I wanted to focus on and I picked baseball.

Q: Is there a current or past MLB player you pattern your game after? Idolize?

DC:  I like watching tall, smart pitchers like Chris Carpenter and Josh Johnson, but my idol is Roger Clemens.  Especially growing up and  watching him at Yankee Stadium. I love his aggressiveness and not being scared of no batter.