Del Castillo’s Mark in Reno Made for a Most Valuable Season

Reno, Nev. – Adrian Del Castillo's 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular, earning him the prestigious title of Pacific Coast League MVP. The Arizona Diamondbacks #14 overall prospect dazzled at the plate, finishing the season with an impressive slash line of .312/.399/.603 with a remarkable 36 doubles, 26 home runs, and 75 RBIs in 105 games, establishing himself as one of the most feared hitters in the Pacific Coast League.

His extraordinary performance metrics underscored Del Castillo's dominance. He led the league in several key categories, including slugging percentage (.603) and OPS (1.002), while ranking among the top ten in batting average (6th), doubles (6th), and total bases (7th, 249). Additionally, Del Castillo demonstrated his keen eye at the plate, drawing 55 walks and scoring 90 runs, further showcasing his all-around offensive skills.

After a challenging first taste of Triple-A in 2023, he posted a slash line of .248/.340/.350 and struggled with a high strikeout rate of 28.9% with the Aces. However, Del Castillo returned to Greater Nevada Field in 2024 with renewed determination. His adjustments were evident as he reduced his strikeout rate to 16.9%, ranking fourth lowest in the PCL. This transformation also demonstrated his growth as a disciplined hitter capable of handling advanced pitching.

His underlying statistics were equally impressive, as he led the league in expected batting average (.287), expected slugging percentage (.522), and expected weighted on-base average (.384). Del Castillo's ability to make contact was highlighted by a swing-and-miss rate of 23.5%, emphasizing his evolution as a formidable offensive threat.

Del Castillo's much-anticipated MLB debut on August 7, 2024, was a moment to remember. In his second game, he launched a walk-off home run against All-Star pitcher Jeff Hoffman of the Philadelphia Phillies, marking a thrilling start to his major league journey.

In just 25 games with the Diamondbacks, he maintained a solid .313 batting average and a .893 OPS, contributing five doubles, four home runs, and 19 RBIs to his team's efforts. He became the fifth player in Diamondbacks history to collect an extra-base hit and drive in a run in his first career at-bat, setting the stage for what many hope will be a long and successful MLB career.

Upon returning to the Aces following the activation of starting catcher Gabriel Moreno on September 17, Del Castillo wasted no time reasserting himself. He hit his 25th home run of the season in his first game back and followed up with another home run the next day, crucially helping to secure a playoff spot for Reno. His ability to perform under pressure was evident, as he continued to produce in critical moments, even as the Aces faced elimination in the Pacific Coast League playoffs.

In the two-game Pacific Coast League championship series, Del Castillo was a lone bright spot for Reno, hitting two home runs and driving in three of the team's four runs.

Despite the Aces' ultimate defeat to the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, Del Castillo's contributions during the postseason were a shining example of his importance to the team.

As the 2024 season ended, Adrian Del Castillo emerged as a dominant player in the minors and a promising talent poised to make waves in the major leagues. His combination of power and contact ability suggests he will be a player to watch in the coming years. With his journey in professional baseball just beginning, fans and teammates eagerly await the exciting contributions he will undoubtedly make as he continues to grow and develop at the highest level. The baseball world is ready to embrace the next chapter of Adrian Del Castillo's career, with the potential for greatness firmly within reach.

Season Memberships for the upcoming Reno Aces 2025 season are on sale at RenoAces.com. To purchase a membership, text "MEMBER" to 21003 or call (775) 334-7000.

-ACES-