Cubs Reportedly Trade for Twins' Willi Castro Ahead of 2025 MLB Deadline

The Chicago Cubs acquired Willi Castro in a swap with the Minnesota Twins just before the 2025 MLB trade deadline on Thursday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Chicago sent pitching prospects Ryan Gallagher and Sam Armstrong to the Twins in Thursday's deal, per ESPN's Jesse Rogers.

Castro was in the midst of his third season with Minnesota after spending the first four years of his career with the Detroit Tigers.

He's recorded 10 home runs, 15 doubles and 27 RBI in 86 games while slashing .245/.335/.407. Castro is also coming off a 2024 campaign in which he made the first All-Star appearance of his career.

The Cubs beat out several potential suitors in order to land the Castro, as Heyman previously reported that the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners were also interested in him.

Castro's versatility should be extremely valuable for Chicago. The switch-hitter has already spent time at second base, third base and shortstop as well as all three outfield positions this season.

He's earning $6.4 million in 2025 and is slated to hit free agency at the end of the season.

The Cubs are in a battle for the National League Central lead, sitting one game back from the Milwaukee Brewers for the No. 1 spot in the division with a record of 63-45.

Meanwhile, the Twins continued to sell at the deadline as they currently hold a 51-57 record. They've already dealt away Carlos Correa, Jhoan Durán and Harrison Bader before parting ways with Castro.

Minnesota received Gallagher in its latest deal, who has a 3.43 ERA across 16 total minor-league starts this season.

As for Armstrong, he owns a 4.62 ERA and 1.260 WHIP in 19 appearances with Double-A Knoxville in 2025.