The Marlins have signed Willians Astudillo to a minor league contract, according to reporter Arnold Santiago (Twitter link). The deal includes an invitation for “La Tortuga” to take part in the Marlins’ big league Spring Training camp.
Between his impressive ability to put the ball in play, his fan-friendly persona, and his ability to play almost anywhere on the diamond, Astudillo was a popular figure over his four seasons with the Twins. Astudillo’s high-contact approach hasn’t translated to much production at the plate, however, as he has batted .270/.295/.406 over 533 plate appearances at the Major League level.
The Marlins addressed their catching needs by trading for Jacob Stallings prior to the lockout, though since none of Alex Jackson, Payton Henry, or Nick Fortes has much MLB experience, Astudillo will provide some competition for the backup catching role. Given Astudillo’s versatility, Miami could deploy three catchers on the active roster, allowing Astudillo to provide depth at multiple other positions. The 30-year-old has played mostly as a catcher and corner infielder in the majors, but Astudillo has also made a handful of appearances as a second baseman, outfielder, and as a mop-up relief pitcher.
Astudillo was projected to earn $1.2MM in arbitration this season, but the Twins opted to release him in November, essentially giving him a brief jump on the non-tender market. The lockout delayed Astudillo from finding his next contract, but he has now found an interesting opportunity in Miami.
Definitely offers more defensive versatility than Castellanos. Don’t let the door on your butt on the way back in, Jeter.
Right/ he can play about anywhere. Just not very well. And his OBP is brutal.
Epic AAAA player
Just become the New Orleans Gators already.
This is exactly what I was hoping to see thank you Mark God Bless
I like this guy. I hope he finds a steady gig in Miami.
Marlins get a backup Catcher and Utility Infielder all in one. Who needs Jeter, right Sherman?
Lol no wonder Jeter is gone. Jeter wanted Castellanos, Marlins wanted the chubbest guy to play baseball since Bartolo Colon.
Astudillo brings the Entertainment value.
I’m guessing this means the Marlins won’t be trading for Yermin Mercedes?…
The guy is a legend in Minnesota. I hope he catches on in Miami. He is fun to watch.
Tortuga ! Fear the turtle.
The goat!
Marlins get much needed speed on the basepaths.
Willians Astudillo is similar to Hanser Alberto which compare to the likes of Randall Simon which are weaker versions of Jose Guillen
No wonder why Jeter left.
Yankees just signed Ronaldo Guzman… trying to lure Jeter in.
He’ll have fun in the same aquarium as the rest of his Fish teammates
LA TORTUGA!!!!
Dude is a solid bullpen arm when he gets ahead in the count
The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and the Charlotte Knights do play in the same league so there’s a chance we’ll the next chapter of the Willians Astudillo-Yermin Mercedes rivalry play out.
ack, why did he go to an East team?
Better all-you-can-eat buffets out East
The guy doesn’t strike out. 2 strike outs in 220 plate appearances in 2011. 25 K’s in 533 MLB plate appearances.
He also has literally taken a total of ten walks.
I’d rather have a guy strike out a little more but get on base. Then again you can time his 40 with a sundial, so having him in base is a two-edged sword.
Yankees should have signed him… he might take Sanchez’s job.
LA TORTUGAAAAAAAA
Marlins making some fishy moves here. Something bigger has to be on the horizon, no?
I like this addition. This guy is fun to watch and adds to the club house environment. He is more experienced and versatile than the backup catcher’s on the roster.
Say hello to your 2022 closer.