Castillo signs with White Sox

The Orioles veered away from an organizational philosophy last winter when they including a $7 million player option for 2018 in catcher Welington Castillo's free agent contract. They didn't refer to it as an opt-out clause, but it basically played as one.

Castillo declined the option, as expected, and he agreed to terms today on a two-year, $15 million deal with the White Sox. His latest contract comes with an $8 million team option for 2020.

A .282/.323/.490 slash line with 20 home runs in 96 games and a 49 percent success rate throwing out runners attempting to steal figured to get Castillo the multi-year deal that he desired. MLBTradeRumors.com predicted that he'd earn a two-year, $14 million contract from the Athletics.

The Diamondbacks non-tendered Castillo following the 2016 season and the Orioles signed him as Matt Wieters' replacement, giving him $6 million this season along with the player option. He made two stops on the disabled list, but otherwise proved to be a smart acquisition with his production at the plate and improved work behind it.

Castillo credited the tutelage of bench coach John Russell, who also serves as catching instructor.

Caleb Joseph, who's eligible for arbitration again, could get more regular work next season with Castillo out of the picture. Rookie Chance Sisco will compete for a job in spring training, along with Austin Wynns, who was added to the 40-man roster to protect him in the Rule 5 draft.

A veteran catcher also could be obtained later in the winter.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal first reported the Castillo agreement, later announced by the White Sox, and Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan had the dollar figures.