The Texas Rangers have recently inked minor league contracts with right-handed relievers Diego Castillo and Reid Birlingmair, along with outfielder Michael Reed, according to the MLB.com transaction page, indicating that all three acquisitions were finalized on December 18.
The standout among them is Diego Castillo, a right-handed pitcher with a six-season major league track record, having played for the Tampa Bay Rays and the Seattle Mariners. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 268 lbs, Castillo served as a reliable middle reliever for the majority of his six-year stint, posting a 3.12 ERA and a 3.69 FIP over 250 games from 2018 to 2022. Despite a challenging 2023 season with a 6.23 ERA in eight major league games and a 5.13 ERA in 43 AAA Tacoma appearances, Castillo’s sinker/slider pitching style may make him a potential bullpen candidate for the upcoming season.
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Reid Birlingmair, a 27-year-old right-handed reliever, represents a depth signing. Originally a 28th round pick by the Oakland A’s, he pitched in the Independent League in 2022 and 2023 before joining the Rangers in June. Birlingmair performed decently while splitting his time between Hickory and Frisco in the past year, and he is likely to contribute to the Frisco bullpen in the upcoming 2024 season.
Michael Reed, a 28-year-old switch-hitting outfielder, completes the trio. Initially selected by the Rangers in the 35th round of the 2013 draft, Reed was taken in the second round by the San Diego Padres in 2016 under then-Rangers general manager A.J. Preller. Known for his athleticism, speed, and raw power, Reed’s hit tool did not fully develop. After stints with the A’s, Dodgers, and Brewers, he now appears to be a depth player for Round Rock, bringing his versatile outfield skills to the organization.