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Catcher Castillo, O’s finalize two-year deal
- Updated: December 16, 2016
BALTIMORE — The Matt Wieters era in Baltimore is over. The Orioles and veteran catcher Welington Castillo finalized a one-year deal with a second-year player option Friday, giving the club a new face behind the plate.
The contract, which according to an industry source includes $6 million for next season and $7 million in 2018 if Castillo elects his option, is the O’s first big move of the offseason and fills one of their primary holes. With Wieters a free agent, the Orioles targeted Castillo and weren’t shy about their interest, with manager Buck Showalter confirming the rumor at last week’s Winter Meetings.
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The deal, first reported by MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman on Wednesday, gives the Orioles a veteran presence while they wait on the arrival of No. 2 prospect Chance Sisco, who is projected to begin the year at Triple-A Norfolk.
Castillo, non-tendered by Arizona, hit .264 with 14 home runs and 68 RBIs in 113 games for the D-backs …