Orioles sign Castro for 2020 season

The Orioles have whittled the number of unsigned arbitration-eligible players to three by reaching agreement today with right-hander Miguel Castro on a contract for the 2020 season. Multiple industry sources confirmed the signing.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported that Castro and the Orioles settled at $1.05 million to avoid a hearing.

The deal reportedly includes awards bonuses.

Castro, in his first year of eligibility, earned $569,000 last season. MLBTradeRumors.com projected that he'd receive a raise to $1.2 million, while Cot's Contracts placed his salary at $1.25 million.

Today's news comes after Castro posted on Instagram earlier this week that he was robbed at gunpoint by two men while working out in the Dominican Republic. He lost a necklace, but got away unscathed after the gun jammed.

Castro, who turned 25 last month, registered a 4.66 ERA and 1.418 WHIP in 65 appearances - one short of Paul Fry for the team lead. He walked 41 batters and struck out 71 in 73 1/3 innings.

The Orioles acquired Castro from the Rockies on April 7, 2017 for a player to be named, who became minor league pitcher Jon Keller. He's gone 6-13 with a 4.06 ERA and 1.372 WHIP in three seasons with the Orioles.

The first half of the 2019 season was challenging for Castro, who posted a 5.28 ERA and 1.511 WHIP in 36 games. He had a 3.72 ERA and 1.276 WHIP after the All-Star break and opponents batted .183 against him.

Castro didn't allow a run over 9 2/3 innings from Aug. 25-Sept. 17 and he allowed three of 17 inherited runners to score in the second half. He permitted 17 of 30 in the first half.

Because he's out of minor league options, the Orioles would have to pass Castro through waivers before sending him down and he'd likely be claimed.

The Orioles haven't reached agreements with Trey Mancini, Hanser Alberto and Mychal Givens. The deadline is noon Friday before the sides exchange salary figures.

Hearings take place between Feb. 3-21.