Carlos Castillo, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who spent 19 seasons with clubs including the Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox and Colorado Rockies, has been named head baseball coach at Killian High School in Miami.
A New Era for the Cougars
He replaces Christopher Leon, who guided the team for three years, and inherits a squad that finished last season with a 13‑13 record after capturing the 3A District 16 championship but falling in the regional quarterfinals.
Castillo's baseball journey began in Tucson, Arizona, and took him to the Caribbean winter leagues before he retired and founded Kachi, a Miami‑based academy that has already produced prospects such as Zack Meto, Branden Noriega and M.J. Melendez.
The new coach emphasized that the program will focus on rebuilding after losing ten seniors to graduation, while also launching a Sports Magnet program for the 2026‑2027 school year that will blend sports management, media and storytelling.
Returning players include outfielder Daniel Huerta, pitcher Ryan Llambes and the aforementioned Meto, Noriega and Melendez, all of whom are expected to benefit from Castillo's extensive network and hands‑on development approach.
Beyond the field, Castillo's father enjoyed a professional career in Mexico, instilling in his son a deep love for the game; just two months ago the elder Castillo was inducted into the Southwest High Hall of Fame, a testament to a family legacy that continues to shape the next generation.
With the support of the school administration and a community eager for success, Castillo is confident that the Cougars can turn their recent experience into a sustained winning culture.