Dodgers scout Castillo dies from COVID-19

Dodgers scout Jairo Castillo’s current and former colleagues were expressing grief on Tuesday after the death of the 31-year-old from complications of COVID-19.

Castillo worked as an international scout for the Blue Jays, Brewers and Dodgers in recent years, leaving Milwaukee in 2019 to become an international crosschecker for the Dodgers based in the Dominican Republic, his home country.

He left behind two young sons and a wife, according to the Los Angeles Times which initially reported Castillo’s passing. A GoFundMe account has been established for the family.

“We are heartbroken over the loss of Jairo Castillo, who recently passed away in the Dominican Republic,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. “Tragically, Jairo’s promising baseball career was just getting started and his death will be felt deeply by everyone who crossed paths with him. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones.”

Before the opportunity with the Dodgers, Castillo scouted for three years with the Brewers as a supervisor covering Central America. Among his finds were Colombian infielder Branlyn Jaraba, who signed for a $1.1 million bonus during the 2018-19 signing period, and Castillo also signed right-handed pitching prospect Victor Castaneda out of Mexico in 2017. Castaneda has moved relatively quickly, playing in the Rookie Pioneer League in 2018 and in the Class A Midwest League in 2019.

Brewers director of international scouting Mike Groopman characterized the news of Castillo’s death as “devastating” for the entire scouting community, particularly for the Blue Jays, Brewers and Dodgers scouts who worked alongside Castillo or were supervised by him.

"He was a really gregarious guy,” Groopman said. “A really good scout. Passionate about baseball. He was a bright personality and always brought a smile to your day. He was a joy to be around."