James Castagnola brings UC Irvine real middle-of-the-order pop
Castagnola looks like a versatile corner-infield bat for UC Irvine, with the ability to handle 1B and 3B and a profile built on extra-base damage and RBI production rather than empty contact. In 2024, he hit .244 with a .407 OBP and .378 SLG in 25 games, then followed with a bigger 2025 season line of .269, 6 home runs, 38 RBIs, 32 runs, and 7 doubles, including a two-homer game at Cal Poly and a clutch NCAA Regional showing. He’s the kind of high-energy, run-producing fit teams want when they need physicality and upside in the lineup.[2][3]
