Willians Astudillo

Astudillo is a fan favorite with a very unique statistical profile, possessing a career 4.7 percent strikeout rate and a 1.9 percent walk rate. He posted impressive small-sample numbers in his debut in 2018 but hasn't done much since then, hitting .254/.278/.382 across 139 games. Astudillo's 91.3 percent career contact rate is matched by few, but a paucity of power and a minuscule walk rate has thus far rendered him a below-average hitter (86 wRC+) during his time in the majors. Though he's seen the bulk of his work at catcher during his minor-league career, the Twins were reluctant to use him behind the plate at the big-league level for most of the past two seasons, with Astudillo instead serving mostly as a utility infielder, and it's not clear he has a future as a catcher. He'll try to win a utility role with the Marlins, but may just add depth at Triple-A.

Astudillo's future with the Twins is cloudy as he's not a strong enough defender behind the plate to be the primary backup catcher, and he's not a good enough hitter to overcome poor defense at other positions (in 2019 he played third base, second base and left field) and justify a utility role. Astudillo tested positive for COVID-19 just before the regular season began and missed the first month. He was used sparingly when called up to the majors, playing just eight games, and he was left off the playoff roster. He rarely strikes out (3.3% last three seasons) or walks, making an extremely high level of contact, and he adds decent power for a catcher. He may struggle to find a role on the major-league roster again, but could have some value in two-catcher leagues if he's able to get steady playing time behind the plate.

Astudillo rarely strikes out (3.9 K%) thanks to an MLB-best contact rate. He also rarely walks (2.5 BB%), and unlike in his rookie season, he didn't do as much when he made contact in 2019, hitting just .268 with a .678 OPS. He may have been a bit unlucky with a .258 BABIP and 5.6 HR/FB ratio. Injuries may have also been a factor as he missed 56 games with a left oblique strain. He may not have the glove to be more than a minimal backup behind the plate (-1 DRS), though he did improve on his pitch framing. While he can fulfill a utility role, as he also played third base, second base and left field, he is a below-average defender at all of those positions, giving him a tenuous hold on a MLB roster spot. Still, his eligibility at catcher gives him some appeal and could make him valuable in deeper leagues if he's able to rebound at the plate.

In the three-true-outcome era, Astudillo is an anomaly. He rarely walks (2.1 BB%) and rarely strikes out (3.1 K%). He led the majors with a 91.7% contact rate (min. 90 PA). A solid season at Triple-A (12 home runs, .782 OPS) resulted in a late-season callup and extensive playing time down the stretch. He hit .355, and after not hitting for any power from 2009 to 2016, he appears to finally be a contributor there as well (.161 ISO). However, questions about his defensive home are the reason he is now with his fourth organization. Listed at 5-foot-9, 225 pounds, he may not have the glove to be more than a backup behind the plate, and while he also played third base, second base and left field after reaching the majors for the first time, he is a below-average defender at all of those spots. Even in a part-time role, his eligibility at catcher will make him valuable in most roto leagues, as he could lead all catchers in batting average.

Astudillo saw time at four different positions for High-A Clearwater last season, but primarily split his time between catcher and first base. He may be the best player in all of baseball at making contact. Last season, his contact rate was an otherworldly 97 percent and the year prior it was 95 percent. He has no power or speed, however, which severely limits his fantasy upside should he make it to the majors. He will have to stick at catcher or show he can fill a utility role because his limited power is not a fit at first base. He figures to start the season with Double-A Mississippi, having signed with Atlanta as a minor league free agent in the offseason.