Manny Machado vs Starlin Castro

[OpenAvalin]

If you had to give one of these guys a 5 Year contract, which one would it be?
Both are very young infielders who are gonna be superstars in their big league career

[Jeffy25]

Macado, but I wouldn't want the 5 year contract to start for another year.

Macado has quite a bit of developing left to do, but should end up being the better offensive player.


At this very point, Machado has a higher ceiling, and a lower floor.

Castro is more likely to have a good career, but I don't know that I see it as a hall of fame caliber career. While Macado I still think has A-Rod caliber potential.

It also depends if Castro learns to draw walks and hit for power, they are both so young it's hard to tell.

[RedHeadsRule]

I'm biased, but let us not underestimate the hit tool and make the decision only on walk rates. I have a feeling that has a chance to happen.

I can get on board with Machado having more offensive upside, but I do believe Castro has the edge on defensive upside.

To answer the question, I'd give the contract to the safer guy, which is Castro.

[Jeffy25]

I'm biased, but let us not underestimate the hit tool and make the decision only on walk rates. I have a feeling that has a chance to happen.

How about we look at OBP and Slugging then?


I am willing to bet Machado is a better hitter than Starlin in the future.

hit tool without walks isn't worth very much unless you can bat like over .330

[RedHeadsRule]

Machado age 19 at AA - .266/.352/.438 .361 wOBA in 459 PA

Starlin age 19 at AA - .288/.347/.396 .356 wOBA in 122 PA
age 20 at AA - .367/.413/.560 .418 wOBA in 121 PA

Looks pretty similar. Their age 19 seasons were similar, but Machado did have success for a longer period of time. Starlin had his way with AA the next season, though Machado probably won't get a chance to match.

My point was though, I hope people just don't look at the two players, compare Machado's BB% in the minors to Starlin's now and come up with their answer. There seems to be a "more walks = better player" mentality lately.

[todu82]

Starlin Castro

[carljam1]

I suppose I'm biased to Machado since I've seen more of him, but he does look impressive. Like Jeffy said, Machado has the higher ceiling, but the lower floor. I'd be willing to take the risk on him over Castro.

[Potential33]

castro

[SenorGato]

I don't think it's any kind of slam dunk that Machado has the higher ceiling. Sure, he's bigger so there's probably more power potential and he's presently more patient. He also probably can't high for average as well, isn't clearly any better or worse defensively, and isn't a clearly better base runner.

That said, I'm fine with Castro's wagon being lighter in the early going. He deserves less hype. He's only hit .304/.343/.422/.766 between 20 and 21 in the major leagues, made the AS team at 21 and 22, and done that playing SS. No way that tops being the #3 overall pick in the draft and ranking in the top 15 prospects of the game twice. Castro didn't even rank in the top 15 once! He only got 16th before 2010, during which he'd be called up to the majors and hit .300/.347/.408 in over 500 PAs.

[northsider]

Castro.

[terencem]

If you're talking over the next 5 years, Castro would probably edge out Machado. I'd absolutely take Machado in years 4 and 5, though.

Why do people think Machado has the lower floor? He's a much more patient hitter than Castro who's dependent on BABIP for his .obp. I just don't see it.

[Pinstripe power]

castro

[RedHeadsRule]

If you're talking over the next 5 years, Castro would probably edge out Machado. I'd absolutely take Machado in years 4 and 5, though.

Why do people think Machado has the lower floor? He's a much more patient hitter than Castro who's dependent on BABIP for his .obp. I just don't see it.

Because Castro has proven to be at least a Major League average player. Machado hasn't gotten a chance to do that yet.

[flea]

Machado because of his ceiling. I don't think it's an A-Rod ceiling, but considering A-Rod was the best SS ever to play the game I don't think that's saying much.

[WolvesJagsOs]

Machado has been absolutely amazing for this team. His defense has been downright awesome, and he has 7 HR's since being up with a .270 average. He needs to walk more, but that will come, he's only 20.