The Mariners’ pitching depth has attracted significant trade interest from various teams in recent seasons, and nearly a year ago, rumors emerged about the Red Sox’s interest in Seattle’s rotation. While nothing came of it at the time, Ryan Divish and Adam Jude of the Seattle Times report that earlier this offseason, the Red Sox proposed trading first baseman Triston Casas in exchange for either Bryce Miller or Bryan Woo. However, these “exploratory talks” did not progress further, as the Mariners are reluctant to trade from their rotation unless absolutely necessary.
Given the Mariners’ and Red Sox’s contrasting strengths and weaknesses, a trade involving pitching for hitting could seem beneficial for both teams. Although Miller or Woo might not be the ace Boston is looking for, both are promising young pitchers with upside and years of team control — neither is eligible for arbitration yet and both are under control through 2029. Casas, on the other hand, is controlled through 2028 and has already shown his potential in the majors.
Seattle’s president of baseball operations, Jerry Dipoto, has repeatedly rejected offers for pitchers like Miller, Woo, George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, and Luis Castillo. While recent reports indicate that the Mariners may be open to listening to offers for Castillo, the oldest and highest-paid member of the rotation, Divish and Jude emphasize that Seattle is “not actively shopping” Castillo.
Nothing is stopping Dipoto from hearing what teams might have to say, just in case someone steps forth with an offer too good to refuse. However, Dipoto told Divish and other reporters today that “our initial reluctance to any type of deeper discussions on trading starting pitching has probably resulted in a lot fewer phone calls than we’ve usually fielded to this point in the offseason.”
The situation seems to be at an impasse, as the Mariners are waiting for other teams to lower their asking prices, while rival clubs are hoping Seattle will become more open to trading from its pitching depth. This could change once some free agent pitchers are signed, or if the Mariners add a pitcher like Roki Sasaki. While many teams will be pursuing the Japanese ace now that his posting window has opened, Seattle’s strong history with both pitching development and star Japanese players may give them an edge in the bidding process.
In the meantime, the Mariners are likely to continue focusing on trading from their minor league depth. However, as Dipoto notes, “prospects aren’t a driver” right now, with most teams concentrating on major league players. This shift in focus may change in the coming weeks as the free-agent market heats up.
With shortstop J.P. Crawford as the only established infielder, acquiring a promising first base talent like Casas would significantly strengthen the Mariners’ infield and overall lineup. However, the Mariners already have a part-time first baseman in Luke Raley, who is expected to play against right-handed pitching.
Given that the Mariners have been linked to trade targets like Nico Hoerner and Alec Bohm for second or third base, it seems Seattle may prioritize addressing one of those positions before turning to the relatively easier-to-fill first base spot. According to an industry source, the Mariners could explore the possibility of adding a third team to trade talks with the Cubs about Hoerner, potentially to help cover some of the money remaining on his contract.
From the Red Sox’s perspective, trading Casas wouldn’t necessarily leave them without a first baseman. Rafael Devers has struggled defensively at third base, and the Sox have reportedly considered moving him to first to open up third base for one of their young infield prospects or perhaps a free-agent acquisition like Alex Bregman. This idea is still speculative, as manager Alex Cora has not discussed a position change with Devers and praised his work at third base in 2024.
However, there is plenty of strategic maneuvering happening during the offseason. Just last month, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow downplayed the idea of trading Casas. Yet, reports surfaced over the weekend suggesting that the Sox are now considering dealing Casas for pitching, with their offer for Miller or Woo further suggesting that Casas is not considered untouchable. Nevertheless, it is clear that the Red Sox will demand a premium return if they decide to move Casas.
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