January 25th, 2024 The RailCats re-sign Outfielder LG Castillo, returning for his 3rd year. He was a late addition in the 2022 season. Infielder Jose Contreras, who was a late-season signing last season, will be looking for his first full season in Gary. Right-handed pitcher Joan Valdez is looking for his 2nd full season with the ‘Cats.

LG Castillo

He played in 97 games where he had 378 At-Bats 39 Runs Scored 102 Hits, 13 Doubles, 4 Triples, 5 Homeruns, 49 RBI’s, 20 walks, 98 Strikeouts, 5 Stolen Bases, and 3 Caught Stealing. He had a Batting average of 270 On-Base Percentage 308 Slugging 365 OPS 673. Played 73 games in the outfield, 35 in Left, and 38 in Right. Had 5 errors, for a Fld % of 964.

Best offensive game was on May 17th where the RailCats beat the Monarchs 13-1 he went 3-5 2 runs 5 RBI’s 1 Strikeout 1 Double 1 Stolen Bases

Looking at LG’s 2023 season compared to his 2022 season you would probably say he had a down year. But, If his down year is slashing a 270/308/365 and an OPS of .673 I’ll take it. He was an All-Star for a reason and in the season where Gio Diaz and Jesus Marriaga stole the show LG was more working in the Shadows. He was 3rd on the with 102 hits and 3rd in RBI’s at 49.

The only thing I could see hurting his playing time would be his fielding. He had a better 2023 than his 2022 season. But he still could reach 97 games again, filling a DH role, which has really been a piece in my eyes the RailCats are missing. But as for LG, I can see his average next year around .285 to .290. Glad to have him back as he seems to be a pillar for the team.

Jose Contreras

Was an early in season signing on June 6th. He played in 36 games. Has 116 At-Bats, 16 Runs, 28 Hits, 5 Doubles, 1 Triple, 4 Home runs, 11 RBI’s, 7 Stolen Bases, Caught 4 times, 13 Walks, and was hit by 4 pitches. He had a Batting Average of 241, OBP 336, SLG 405, OPS 741. He played 19 games at 1st, 2 at 3rd, and 1 at Left. Had a FLD% of 896 and 2 errors.

Best Offensive game was June 23rd in a win over the Goldeyes 12-11. He Went 4 for 5, 2 Runs, 4 RBI’s, 2 Homeruns both solo.

In a weird 2023 season where the RailCats, as their record showed, were not that good, Jose came to a team where the position he played, he didn’t get to play much. As Victor Nova was playing at 3rd and before Valera was Tapia who both play a very good 1st base. So I can see this year Jose playing more defense because he is a very defender and with the ability to play multi-position, and let’s not forget he did play 1 game in Left Field last year, and in the Ranger organization, he played the outfield as well.

Joan Valdez

Last season went 0-5 played in 37 games and started in 5. Had an ERA of 4.77 and a RA/9 of 6.09. He pitched in 54.2 innings gave up 37 runs, 29 earned, 9 homeruns, 21 walks, and struck out 58. His WHIP was 1.39, H/9 9.1, HR/1.5, BB/9 3.5 and a SO/9 9.5. His Batting Average Against was .259.

Outside of June and a bump in the road in July for 2 games, Joan was brilliant. From July 20th to the end of the season he didn’t allow more then 1 earned run and had 1 game where he gave up 2 put only 1 was earned. He became a stable arm for Manager Rodgers. A great set up guy for DJ Wilkinson. I love looking at reliever’s stats and see a lot of zeros in the runs given up column. He will be primary reliver in the Bullpen, and will spot some starts along the way. Depending on who else is signed I can see Valdez could be the Closer in the 2024 season.

The RailCats have Signed 6 Pitchers and 9 Hitter/Fielders for a Total for 15 players. The Roster is filling up with what looks to be a hopeful promising year.