A three-time All-Star, is set to earn $24.2 million in each of the next two years, with a possible $25 million vesting option for 2028. He remains a dependable, above-average starter who can log plenty of innings, though he’s no longer viewed as a true ace.
As Seattle looks to craft an ideal roster and bounce back from its Game 7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS, could trading Castillo be a realistic way to create more financial flexibility
On Friday, MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand identified a trade candidate from every team in the big leagues, and Castillo was his choice for the Mariners. Feinsand was quick to say he didn’t see it as the most likely outcome, but identified a plausible scenario for the Mariners to make that choice.
“Castillo is unlikely to be traded, but if the Mariners look to make a big move, he will surely draw interest around the league,” Feinsand wrote.
“He’s turning 33 next month, his $24.15 million salary is the highest on the roster, his no-trade clause recently expired, and with two years left on his deal (plus a vesting option for 2028), he could be a desirable asset to pitching-needy clubs that don’t want to make a long-term commitment. Castillo has posted an ERA of 3.64 or less in every season since 2019 and remains one of the most consistent starters out there.”
Castillo was an All-Star in 2023, a time when he could still be considered the team’s ace. Since then, he’s posted a 3.59 ERA and 3.9 wins above replacement in 62 starts — very useful, but only equating to an ERA+ of 104 when factoring in the pitching-friendly environment at T-Mobile Park.
In the grand scheme of trade rumors, this one is pretty mild. But if the whispers start growing even louder that the Mariners might trade Castillo, it could signal that the Mariners are considering a more radical reconstruction than expected.
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