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Willians Astudillo
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Willians Astudillo (born October 14, 1991), nicknamed "La Tortuga",[1][2] is a Venezuelan professional baseball utility player for the Tiburones de La Guaira of the Venezuelan Major League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins and Miami Marlins, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. He made his MLB debut with the Twins in 2018 and has appeared at every position except shortstop in a major league game.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Willians Astudillo was born in Barcelona, Venezuela, located on the country's Caribbean coast. Astudillo's father, a professional baseball player in Venezuela, and his grandfather taught him from an early age how to play baseball. Drills included flicking corn kernel projectiles for the young Astudillo to hit with a broomstick.[3]

Career

[edit]

Philadelphia Phillies

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Astudillo signed with the Philadelphia Phillies as an amateur free agent on December 15, 2008. In 2009, Astudillo made his professional debut for the VSL Phillies and spent the 2010 season with the team as well, hitting .250 and .312, respectively. He improved his performance for the team in 2011, slashing .361/.424/.449 in 52 games. He spent the 2012 season with the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Phillies, hitting .318/.327/.419 in 45 contests. After not playing in 2013, Astudillo spent the 2014 season with the Single-A Lakewood BlueClaws, posting a slash line of .333/.366/.434 in 117 games. In 2015, he played for the High-A Clearwater Threshers, slashing .314/.348/.384 with 3 home runs and 49 RBI in 107 games.[4] He elected free agency following the season on November 6, 2015.

Atlanta Braves

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On November 19, 2015, Astudillo signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.[5] He spent the 2016 season with the Double-A Mississippi Braves, batting .267/.293/.332 with 4 home runs and 30 RBI in 89 games. Astudillo elected free agency following the year on November 7, 2016.[6]

Arizona Diamondbacks

[edit]

On April 4, 2017, Astudillo signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and was assigned to the Triple-A Reno Aces. He spent the year with the Aces, posting a slash of .342/.370/.558 with 4 home runs and 22 RBI in 36 games.[4] He elected free agency following the season on November 6.[7]

Minnesota Twins

[edit]

On November 30, 2017, Astudillo signed a minor league deal with the Minnesota Twins and was assigned to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings.[8] Astudillo was called up to the majors for the first time on June 29, 2018.[9] He made his major league debut at Wrigley Field the following afternoon against the Chicago Cubs as a defensive replacement in left field in the fifth inning, later switching to center field. In the sixth inning, he singled on a ground ball to second base to score Robbie Grossman for his first major league hit.[10] On July 14, he made his major league pitching debut, completing the final inning of a 19–6 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. He allowed five runs on five hits and two home runs in his lone pitching appearance of the season.[11] Defensively, Astudillo played primarily at catcher and third base, also making appearances at second base.[4] He appeared in 30 games total for the Twins in 2018, batting .355/.371/.516 with three home runs, 21 RBI, 2 walks and 3 strikeouts over 93 plate appearances.[12]

Astudillo with the Twins at Target Field in 2018

The Twins announced that Astudillo made their Opening Day roster on March 27, 2019, as one of five bench players.[13] One month later, he was placed on the injured list with a left hamstring strain. He was batting .327 with two home runs.[14] He ended the season hitting .268 in 58 games.

He has also played for the Caribes de Anzoátegui in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League annually since the 2015–16 season.[4]

On July 3, 2020, it was announced that Astudillo had tested positive for COVID-19.[15] He appeared in just 8 games in 2020, gathering only 16 at-bats and batting .250/.250/.500 with 1 home run and 3 RBI.[16] After the 2020 season, he returned to Caribes de Anzoátegui of the Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional (LVMP). He also played for Venezuela in the 2021 Caribbean Series.

He pitched four times for the Twins in 2021.[17] On April 17, he retired the Los Angeles Angels in the 8th inning three up, three down on seven pitches, with his slowest tracked strike thrown at 46 mph. Two other of his seven pitches were so slow that Statcast failed to track them.[2] On May 17 against the Chicago White Sox, he gave up a controversial home run to Yermin Mercedes, who swung at a 3-0 pitch while up by 11 runs.[18] He again pitched in relief on August 26, when he pitched a scoreless 8th inning against the Boston Red Sox. Astudillo ended the year hitting .236/.259/.375 with a career-high 7 home runs and 21 RBI in 72 games. On November 19, the Twins designated Astudillo for assignment. He cleared waivers and was released on November 24.[19]

Miami Marlins

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On March 13, 2022, Astudillo signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins.[20] He began the 2022 season with the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.[21] On May 25, Astudillo was selected to the active roster.[22] He made his Marlins debut that day against the Tampa Bay Rays.[23] Astudillo scored the winning run for the Marlins against the Washington Nationals on June 8, scoring from second base in the bottom of the 10th inning.[24] He was designated for assignment on June 26 and was sent outright to Triple-A.[25] On July 24, the Marlins selected his contract and he was promoted back to the major leagues.[26] After four starts in the infield, he was designated for assignment on July 29.[27][28] Astudillo cleared waivers and was sent outright to Jacksonville on August 1.[29] He elected free agency on October 6.[30]

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks

[edit]

On November 11, 2022, Japanese media reported that Astudillo would sign with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball.[31] In 20 games for the Hawks in 2023, he batted .136/.220/.227 with one home run and 3 RBI. On December 1, SoftBank announced that Astudillo would not return, making him a free agent.[32][33]

Saraperos de Saltillo

[edit]

On February 8, 2024, Astudillo signed with the Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League.[34] In 29 games for Saltillo, he batted .252/.304/.311 with no home runs and 10 RBI. On June 4, Astudillo was released by the Saraperos.[35][36]

Rieleros de Aguascalientes

[edit]

On June 11, 2024, Astudillo signed with the Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican League.[37] In 40 games for Aguascalientes, he slashed .319/.385/.438 with three home runs and 19 RBI. Astudillo was released by the Rieleros on October 22.[38]

Tiburones de La Guaira

[edit]

Astudillo played for the Tiburones de La Guaira of the Venezuelan Major League for the 2025 season.[39][40] He batted .277/.357/.377 in 130 regular season at bats.[41]

Playing style

[edit]

Astudillo became popular with fans for several reasons: his non-athletic build, multi-positional flexibility, and a highly aggressive batting style that yields few strikeouts or walks. At 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) tall and 225 pounds (102 kg), his determination helped propel him to the major leagues. “All my minor league career I heard I was not going to be a big leaguer because I did not 'look' like one. I was too short. I was too stocky. I did not have the physical traits customary associated with a Major League player,” he noted on Instagram. “Well here I am.”[42]

Combining his professional careers in both the American minor leagues and Venezuela, Astudillo has played at every position.[4] He then played every position, except shortstop, within his first two major league seasons.[12] Twins chief baseball officer Derek Falvey commented that team scouts were perplexed by Astudillo, as projection systems failed to find any closely comparable hitters and were also amused when he informed them that he could play center field. To prove it, Astudillo played footage of himself robbing a home run in a Venezuelan winter league game.[3]

In an era notable for its rising strikeout rates and where high walk rates are prized, Astudillo's aggressive batting approach yields an unusually low number of both. In his minor league career through the 2018 season, he had put the ball in play in 2,400 of 2,571 plate appearances.[42] Astudillo produced eight of the 30 lowest strikeout rates with a minimum of 100 plate appearances according to Baseball Prospectus' database of over 42,000 individual seasons from 2005–2018. He produced the lowest of all at 0.9% in Venezuela in 2011, second-lowest at 1.8% in Venezuela in 2010, and fourth-lowest at 2.4% in the Florida State League in 2015.[43]

Personal life

[edit]

Astudillo's brother, Wilfred, is also a professional baseball player, playing in affiliated Minor League Baseball from 2017 to 2022.[44][45]

Astudillo's mother threw a ceremonial first pitch to Astudillo before a Mother's Day Twins game in 2019.[46]

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Willians Astudillo

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Willians Astudillo (born October 14, 1991) is a Venezuelan celebrated for his rare ability to make consistent contact at the plate, positional versatility across the infield and behind it, and occasional appearances on the mound with comically slow pitches. Nicknamed "La Tortuga" (The Turtle) for his compact 5-foot-9, 225-pound frame and methodical approach, he has earned a reputation as a fan favorite through his unorthodox style and relentless determination. Astudillo began his professional career in the Philadelphia Phillies' minor league system in 2009, signing with the as a minor league free agent prior to the 2018 season and making his (MLB) debut with them on June 30, 2018. In his MLB career, he posted an extraordinarily low strikeout rate of just 4.9% across 588 big-league plate appearances. Over five MLB seasons with the Twins (2018–2021) and (2022), he batted .267 with 16 home runs while playing , first base, third base, and even in emergencies. Beyond MLB, Astudillo ventured to with the in 2023, where he appeared in 20 games before batting just .136, and spent 2024 in the Mexican League with teams including the Saraperos de and . He has also pitched in seven MLB games, registering an of 7.71 while topping out at a 46 mph "" that became a viral sensation for its sheer velocity deficiency. Most recently, in the 2025 season with the Caribes de , he faced a 20-game suspension for a doping violation before his release in September; he later signed with the for the 2025–26 season.

Early years

Early life

Willians Astudillo was born on October 14, 1991, in , a coastal city in the state of known for its vibrant port activity and strong ties to the nation's heritage. Growing up in this environment, Astudillo was immersed in a culture where is a dominant passion, often played informally in streets and neighborhoods as a central part of daily life and community bonding in . Astudillo's family background was deeply rooted in the sport, with his father, Williams Astudillo, a former professional baseball player in Venezuela who instilled an early love for the game in his son. His grandfather shared this obsession, creating a household environment where baseball discussions and activities were commonplace from Astudillo's earliest years. These familial influences shaped his initial interest, as he spent much of his childhood playing the sport casually in the streets of Barcelona alongside siblings and local children. One of Astudillo's formative early experiences involved backyard drills devised by his father to hone his hand-eye coordination and batting instincts. Kneeling a few feet away, his father would flick corn kernels toward him, which the young Astudillo struck using a simple broomstick, fostering a natural feel for contact that became a hallmark of his approach to the game. This hands-on, low-resource training reflected both the resourcefulness of Venezuelan families passionate about and the cultural emphasis on the sport as an accessible path to opportunity in the region.

Amateur baseball

Astudillo began his organized journey in local youth leagues in , where he participated in regional tournaments that provided early competitive exposure. His development of fundamental skills, particularly hand-eye coordination and contact hitting, was heavily influenced by coaching from his father, a former professional player in , and his grandfather, both avid enthusiasts who had introduced him to the sport. They employed unconventional drills, such as having his father kneel and flick corn kernels for Astudillo to strike with a broomstick, honing his ability to make consistent contact from a young age. Astudillo's talent in these amateur settings drew the attention of international scouts, including Sal Agostinelli, the Phillies' director of international scouting, who observed his persistent .300-plus batting averages in youth play despite his unorthodox physique. During a scouting evaluation in , Astudillo confidently approached Agostinelli and declared, “You need to sign me. I’m going to make you look good,” which helped secure his opportunity. The Phillies signed him as an international amateur on December 15, 2008, marking the end of his amateur career and the start of his professional path.

Professional career

Philadelphia Phillies

Astudillo signed with the Philadelphia Phillies as an international free agent on December 15, 2008, at the age of 17. His professional debut came the following year in the Venezuelan Summer League (VSL) with the VSL Phillies, where he appeared in 58 games, batting .250 with a .306 and .314 while playing multiple positions including first base, second base, third base, , left field, and right field. In 2010, Astudillo returned to the VSL Phillies, improving markedly to a .312 over 56 games, with a .380 and .398 , primarily at second base, third base, and . He continued in the VSL in 2011, posting a career-high .361 average in 52 games, along with a .424 and .448 , while demonstrating versatility across second base, third base, , left field, , and other spots. This period highlighted the emergence of his positional flexibility, as he adapted to infield, , and catching duties early in his development. Astudillo advanced to the Gulf Coast League (GCL) in 2012 with the GCL Phillies, where he batted .318 in 45 games, slugging .419 while focusing on first base and . After missing the 2013 season, he progressed to full-season ball in 2014 with the Low-A Lakewood BlueClaws, enjoying a breakout year with a .333 average, .366 , and .433 in 117 games, again manning first base, , left field, and . In 2015, he reached High-A Clearwater Threshers, hitting .314 with a .348 and .384 in 107 games, striking out only 10 times in 374 at-bats across first base, third base, , left field, and roles. Following the 2015 season, Astudillo was granted free agency by the Phillies and subsequently signed a minor league contract with the on November 19, 2015.

Atlanta Braves

On November 19, 2015, Astudillo signed a minor league contract with the organization. Astudillo spent the entire 2016 season with the Braves' Double-A affiliate, the , of the Southern League, where he primarily played while also seeing time at first base and third base. In 89 games, he recorded a .267 with 86 , including 9 doubles and 4 home runs, while driving in 30 runs; notably, he struck out only 11 times in 322 at-bats, underscoring his exceptional contact-oriented approach at the plate. His low strikeout rate—around 3%—continued the emphasis on contact hitting that defined his early professional career. Despite his ability to make consistent contact, Astudillo struggled with plate discipline and power production, drawing just 5 walks for an of .293 and a of .332, which limited his overall offensive impact in a league where he ranked outside the top performers in key categories. He was selected to the Southern League All-Star Game as a reserve, reflecting recognition of his unique hitting profile amid these limitations. Following the conclusion of the 2016 season, Astudillo elected free agency on October 5, 2016, ending his brief tenure with the Braves organization.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Astudillo signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks as a free agent on January 23, 2017, after being granted free agency by the Atlanta Braves organization the previous November. Assigned to the Triple-A Reno Aces, he provided depth as a catcher and utility player, appearing in 36 games amid a season interrupted by two separate stints on the disabled list due to injuries. In limited action, Astudillo posted a strong .342 with a .370 and .558 , including 14 doubles, four home runs, and 22 RBI over 120 at-bats. His low-strikeout tendency remained consistent, as he fanned just four times in 128 plate appearances for a 3.1% rate. The Diamondbacks experimented with his positional versatility, utilizing him primarily behind the plate but also at first base and third base to maximize his defensive contributions in the . Astudillo's tenure highlighted a mid-career resurgence in advanced minors, though he received no major league call-up during the 2017 season. He was granted by the Diamondbacks on November 6, 2017, concluding his time in the organization.

Minnesota Twins

Astudillo signed a minor league contract with the as a on November 25, 2017, and was invited to . Following the signing, he was assigned to the Twins' Triple-A affiliate, the , for the 2018 season, where he appeared in 78 games, batting .276 with 12 home runs and 38 RBIs while demonstrating positional flexibility across , first base, and third base. His strong performance in Rochester earned him a call-up to the major leagues later that year. The Twins selected Astudillo's contract from Rochester on June 29, 2018, and he made his MLB debut the following day as a against the Indians at , going 1-for-3 with a single in his first at-bat. Over parts of four seasons with the Twins from 2018 to 2021, Astudillo established himself as a and fan favorite, appearing in 167 games with a , 15 home runs, and 66 RBIs. Notably, he recorded just 25 across 533 plate appearances during this span, including only 11 strikeouts in 301 plate appearances over his first two seasons—a mark that contributed to his MLB record for the lowest strikeout rate among qualified players in multiple historical contexts. Astudillo's time with the Twins also included stints in Triple-A with the in 2020 and 2021, where he continued to hone his skills amid shuttling between levels. Astudillo's versatility was a hallmark of his contributions in , as he played seven defensive positions—catcher, first base, second base, third base, left field, center field, and right field—while even appearing as a in mop-up roles, famously throwing 46 mph "fastballs" in relief. Memorable moments included his 2019 pinch-hit, bases-loaded RBI single against the Boston Red Sox that helped secure a key victory, underscoring his clutch ability as a contact-oriented batter. By the end of his Twins tenure in 2021, Astudillo had become a beloved figure for his unorthodox style and reliability in a utility role.

Miami Marlins

On March 15, 2022, Astudillo signed a minor league contract with the organization, including an invitation to , following his designation for assignment by the the previous year. He began the season with the Triple-A , where he provided utility depth across multiple positions, continuing his versatile defensive profile from prior seasons. Astudillo made three separate stints with the Marlins' major league roster in 2022, first being selected on May 25, then on June 26 and re-added on July 24, before another designation on July 29. In 21 total games, he batted .241 with one and four RBI, primarily serving as a bench option at second base and third base while appearing in two games as a without allowing a run. His limited role reflected the Marlins' depth at infield positions, with most of his contributions coming in pinch-hitting or late-inning defensive situations. Following his final designation for assignment, Astudillo cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Jacksonville on August 1, 2022, where he continued playing through the end of the season. He elected free agency on November 7, 2022, marking the conclusion of his major league tenure, as he did not return to MLB play thereafter.

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks

In December 2022, Willians Astudillo signed a one-year contract with the of Japan's (NPB), marking his debut in the league after five seasons in . The deal, reportedly worth about twice the MLB minimum salary, positioned him as a versatile import player expected to contribute with his contact-oriented approach. Astudillo appeared in 20 games during the 2023 NPB season, primarily serving as a utility and . His performance proved challenging, as he batted .136 with 6 in 44 at-bats, including 1 double, 1 , and 3 RBIs, while posting a .220 and .227 . Despite maintaining a low rate of just 2 in 50 plate appearances, his high contact rate from MLB did not fully translate to the NPB environment. The transition to NPB presented notable adjustments for Astudillo, including differences in playing style that emphasized precision, speed, and small-ball tactics compared to the power-focused MLB. Foreign imports like Astudillo were described as struggling to adapt to these demands, contributing to the Hawks' limited offensive output from international players that year, with only one combined from their group. Cultural elements, such as the league's rigorous training regimens and , further highlighted the challenges of competing in an international setting. Following the 2023 season, Astudillo was released by the SoftBank Hawks and returned to playing in Latin American leagues.

Saraperos de Saltillo

On February 8, 2024, Astudillo signed with the Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League (LMB) ahead of the 2024 season, bringing his MLB experience to the team as a versatile utility player. During the regular season, Astudillo appeared in 29 games for , primarily at , third base, and first base, while serving in a role to mentor younger teammates and provide depth across the infield. He posted a .252 with 26 hits in 103 at-bats, including six doubles, but no home runs and 10 RBIs, contributing steadily to the lineup before his release on June 4. The Saraperos finished the 2024 regular season with a 44-48 record, placing seventh in the Norte Division and missing the , so Astudillo had no postseason involvement with the team.

Rieleros de Aguascalientes

Following his release from the Saraperos de on June 4, 2024, Willians Astudillo signed as a with the of the Mexican League on June 11, 2024. In his debut with the team the next day, Astudillo hit a , marking an immediate impact in his new environment. Astudillo appeared in 40 games for the Rieleros during the latter half of the season, posting a .319 with an of .385 and a of .438. He recorded 46 hits in 144 at-bats, including 3 home runs and 19 RBI, while striking out just twice—showcasing his contact-oriented approach and providing reliable production from the utility role. These contributions added stability to the Rieleros' lineup, with Astudillo's low strikeout rate and extra-base hits (8 doubles) helping to drive offense in key situations during the team's push through the summer schedule. Compilations of his season highlights later emphasized several iconic moments, underscoring his engaging presence and timely hits for fans. Leveraging experience from his earlier stint in the league that year, Astudillo demonstrated greater consistency behind the plate and at the corners. His tenure with the Rieleros ended on , 2024, when the team placed him on the reserve list and released him, concluding his involvement in the 2024 season.

Caribes de Anzoátegui

Astudillo joined the Caribes de of the (LVBP) for the 2024–25 season. In 45 games, he batted .281 with 45 hits in 160 at-bats, including 3 home runs and 18 RBIs, while drawing 13 walks and striking out 5 times, primarily playing left field, , first base, and third base. On September 12, 2025, the LVBP announced that Astudillo tested positive for a prohibited substance and was suspended for 20 games in the 2025–26 season. Astudillo claimed the positive result stemmed from plasma treatment for an provided by the Caribes . Caribes released him on September 10, 2025, as part of a roster restructuring ahead of the 2025–26 season. As of November 15, 2025, Astudillo is a and has expressed interest in continuing his career, including potential opportunities in the LVBP after serving his suspension.

Playing style

Batting approach

Willians Astudillo is renowned for his contact-oriented batting approach, characterized by an exceptionally low rate that has persisted across levels of . In his debut professional season in 2011 with the Philadelphia Phillies' rookie affiliate in the Venezuelan Summer League, he recorded a 0.9% rate, striking out just twice in 220 plate appearances, the lowest among qualified players in affiliated baseball that year. This elite plate discipline stems from a compact swing and high contact rate, allowing him to put the ball in play consistently; for instance, his career rate stands at 3.1%, with 101 strikeouts in 3,300 plate appearances. In , Astudillo maintained this trait, striking out only 11 times in his first 301 plate appearances from 2018 to 2019, equating to a 3.7% rate well below the league average. Astudillo's swing mechanics emphasize bat control over selectivity, resulting in low chase rates and an MLB-leading contact percentage on swings in the zone during his early career. He rarely walks—posting a 3.4% walk rate in the minors—but compensates with consistent hard contact, as evidenced by his ability to square up pitches across the zone. Despite his stocky 5-foot-9, 225-pound frame, which limits elite athleticism and bat speed, Astudillo has developed respectable power, hitting 16 s in 588 MLB plate appearances, including a career-high seven in 2021. This power emerged progressively, with just one in 2011 but escalating to 12 in 307 Triple-A plate appearances in 2018, showcasing improved launch angle and exit velocity through refined mechanics. Astudillo's approach evolved from the minors to the majors by prioritizing adaptability, increasing his extra-base hits while preserving contact skills; during his tenure, his low strikeout rate contributed to a .267 in limited action. Internationally, he adjusted to varied pitching styles and environments, maintaining a 2.7% rate with five home runs in 149 plate appearances for the in Japan's in 2023, and a 2.5% rate with three home runs in 277 plate appearances across the Saraperos de Saltillo and in Mexico's Liga Mexicana de Béisbol in 2024. These performances highlight his discipline translating across leagues, even amid altitude and velocity differences.

Positional versatility

Willians Astudillo primarily serves as a , a role he has filled in 53 (MLB) games across his career with the , Philadelphia Phillies, and . His defensive profile extends to nearly every position except , including 58 games at third base, 45 at first base, 16 at second base, and appearances in with 4 games in left field, 7 in right field, and 1 in center field, as well as 6 games as a . This broad positional range has made him a valuable utility option, particularly during his tenure with the Twins, where his flexibility allowed for seamless integration into various lineup configurations. Astudillo's catching metrics highlight his arm strength and ability to deter base stealers, with a career caught stealing percentage of 26.9% in 26 opportunities behind the plate, slightly above the league average of 26.2% during his active MLB seasons. He recorded 7 caught stealings against 19 successful steals, alongside 3 passed balls in 362.1 innings as a catcher, demonstrating reliable if unflashy handling of pitchers and runners. His pop time to second base has been noted as competitive among catchers, contributing to his effectiveness in emergency situations despite overall below-average fielding runs saved. In the minor leagues, Astudillo's versatility was even more pronounced, with significant experience at corner infield positions and spots during his time in the Phillies, , and Twins systems; he logged substantial innings at third base and first base early in his career, transitioning to more catching duties later while also playing second base, left field, center field, and even pitching in blowouts. Internationally, his utility value persisted across leagues, including stints with the in , where he appeared at catcher and infield roles, and Mexican League teams like the Saraperos de and , adapting to first base, third base, and as needed; in the Venezuelan Winter League with , he has filled multiple defensive spots to support team depth. This adaptability across domestic and foreign circuits underscores his role as a dependable, multi-positional asset in . Astudillo earned the nickname "La Tortuga" (The Turtle) for his steady, deliberate defensive style that emphasizes reliability over athletic flair, a moniker that reflects his unhurried yet effective presence across the diamond.

Personal background

Family

Willians Astudillo was raised in , where his family played a pivotal role in nurturing his passion for from a young age. His grandfather and father, both deeply immersed in the sport, introduced him to its fundamentals through dedicated training sessions; his father, who had played professionally in Venezuelan leagues, conducted drills such as flicking corn kernels to sharpen Astudillo's hand-eye coordination and batting skills. Astudillo's younger brother, Wilfred Astudillo, followed a similar path into , signing with the organization and competing in from 2017 to 2022, while also playing in Venezuelan winter leagues. The brothers share strikingly similar playing styles, including compact swings honed from their shared family background in the sport. Throughout Astudillo's career transitions, including his move to the at age 17 and subsequent international stints in and , his family provided unwavering emotional and logistical support. His parents relocated from to stay with him in the U.S. during his early major league seasons, offering stability amid the challenges of adapting to new environments.

Notable personal events

In May 2019, Astudillo's mother, Ana Mercedes, threw the before a Mother's Day game between the and the Detroit Tigers at . Astudillo, serving as the catcher, received the pitch—a strike—creating a memorable family moment celebrated by fans. Astudillo has engaged in community outreach efforts, including participating in a Twins-organized glove giveaway event for the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program, which promotes youth baseball and softball in underserved urban communities. As a proud Venezuelan, Astudillo has publicly discussed the ongoing political and social tensions in his home country, noting their profound impact on his family and the broader community back in . In September 2025, Astudillo received a 20-game suspension from the (LVBP) after testing positive for a banned substance under the league's anti-doping program while playing for the Caribes de Anzoátegui, leading to his release by the team.

References

  1. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/astudwi01.shtml
  2. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/26/sports/willians-astudillo-la-tortuga.html
  3. https://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/willians-la-tortuga-astudillo-minnesota-twins/
  4. https://www.mlb.com/player/willians-astudillo-553902
  5. https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/willians-astudillo-is-a-baseball-enigma/
  6. https://npb.jp/bis/eng/players/63565157.html
  7. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/player/171521/
  8. https://worldbaseball.com/several-players-suspended-for-doping-in-lvbp-including-mlb-veterans/
  9. https://meridiano.net/beisbol/lvbp-a-parte-de-willians-astudillo-cuantos-jugadores-han-quedado-en-libertad-previo-a-la-2025-2026--20259101850
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/965783/2019/05/12/im-going-to-make-you-look-good-how-the-twins-willians-astudillo-talked-his-way-into-becoming-la-tortuga/
  11. https://www.baseball-reference.com/friv/transactions.cgi?date=12-15
  12. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/udfa_class/2008~22
  13. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=astudi001wil
  14. https://www.mlb.com/news/phillies-prospect-willians-astudillo-on-rise/c-147065708
  15. https://legacy.baseballprospectus.com/card/66085/willians-astudillo
  16. https://www.milb.com/player/willians-astudillo-553902
  17. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=astudillo001wil
  18. https://www.fangraphs.com/minorleaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=0&type=1&season=2017&team=18&players=0
  19. https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/stats_minor/2017~12078/
  20. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=astudwi01
  21. https://www.mlb.com/news/eddie-rosario-throws-out-tying-run
  22. https://www.mlb.com/news/marlins-willians-astudillo-minor-league-deal
  23. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=astudi001wil&t=b&year=2022
  24. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/12/willians-astudillo-signs-with-npbs-fukuoka-softbank-hawks.html
  25. https://x.com/AaronGleeman/status/1605957747970740225
  26. https://worldbaseball.com/the-softbank-hawks-empire-is-back-in-full-swing/
  27. https://conbasesllenas.com/willians-astudillo-firma-con-los-saraperos-de-saltillo-de-la-lmb/
  28. https://www.liderendeportes.com/noticias/baseball/internacional/astudillo-y-guerra-reforzaran-a-saraperos/
  29. https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/stats/t-ss14303/y-2024
  30. https://en.ultimasnoticias.com.ve/deportes/willians-astudillo-debuta-en-rieleros-con-jonron/
  31. https://www.milb.com/news/lmb-movimientos-en-listas-de-reserva-22-de-octubre-de-2024
  32. https://stats.lvbp.com/jugador.php?player_id=553902
  33. https://lvbp.com/noticias/la-lvbp-suspendio-a-siete-peloteros-por-violar-el-programa-antidopaje/
  34. https://meridiano.net/beisbol/beisbol-venezolano/presidente-de-caribes-de-anzoategui-habla-sobre-suspension-de-willians-astudillo-por-dopaje-exclusiva--20259196100
  35. https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/player/willians-astudillo-13999
  36. https://www.mlb.com/news/willians-astudillo-likely-to-make-opening-day-roster
  37. https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/42650/banjo-hitter-the-legend-of-la-tortuga/
  38. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/549541/2018/09/26/willians-astudillo-twins-legend-of-la-tortuga-how-he-became-a-fan-favorite/
  39. https://www.mlb.com/cut4/willians-astudillo-and-brother-have-identical-swings
  40. https://www.ocregister.com/willians-astudillo-the-twins-talented-turtle-is-making-contact-look-cool-again/
  41. https://www.mlb.com/news/willians-astudillo-s-mom-throws-first-pitch
  42. https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-sports/watch-willians-astudillos-mom-throws-a-perfect-strike-to-her-son
  43. https://www.theringer.com/2019/4/29/18321870/willians-astudillo-minnesota-twins-tortuga
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