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After going uncalled on Sunday night in the first round of the MLB Draft, Miami Catcher, Adrian Del Castillo, was selected 67th overall (Competitive Balance Round B) by the Arizona Diamondbacks, and was the first Hurricane to be drafted this week. This is the second year in a row that the D’Backs drafted the first Cane after picking Pitcher Slade Cecconi 33rd overall last year.
Del Castillo was considered a top tier talent at a premium position by many pundits, at times considered one of the most polished college bats/catchers in the NCAA. In fact, earlier this spring he was ranked higher than first overall pick, catcher, Henry Davis, who had a breakout 2021. However, Del Castillo endured an up-and-down spring consisting of a .275/.775/.375 slash line, three home runs, and 37 RBIs, and his draft stock dipped. There have also been questions about his ability to play catcher at the next level.
The left-handed slugger dominated as a true freshmen in 2019, the left-handed slugger slashed .331/.418/.576 with 12 home runs in 61 games. He started all 61 games that season.
His sophomore year, during the COVID-abbreviated season, the results were also spectacular. Del Castillo started all 16 games that season, including 13 behind the plate, slashing .358/.478./.547 with two doubles, a triple and two home runs.
The 2021 MLB draft is here and Adrian Del Castillo isn't going to go as high as we expected a few months ago.
— David Wilson (@DBWilson2) July 11, 2021
What happened to him this year? Gino DiMare thinks they figured out the problem too late. Now the Miami catcher has to solve it. https://t.co/VrU0kCEbgd pic.twitter.com/AB5u0d2qsf
Originally from Gulliver Prep in Miami, Del Castillo was selected out of high school in the 36th round of 2018 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox. He has earned many accolades at the U including freshman All-American, 2020 preseason All-American first team, and 2021 All-ACC second team.
Due to his plus bat tools and plus power, he is an intriguing prospect. Del Castillo has the option to allow his Club to retain the rights to him or return to Miami. With a slot value below $1 million, this will be an interesting situation to monitor considering where the height of his scouting profile has been.
Del Castillo looks to continue a strong lineage of ProCane catchers as he follows former first rounders Zack Collins and Yasmani Grandal.