Three-time All-Star starting pitcher could be on the trading block this offseason. However, the Dodgers are not currently seen as leading contenders to acquire the Dominican ace.
The Seattle Mariners, facing a pressing need for infield reinforcements, might consider trading one of their standout rotation arms. Seattle boasts one of the strongest starting rotations in Major League Baseball, featuring five reliable starters, including four younger pitchers and the experienced Castillo, an eight-season veteran.
Castillo is widely viewed as the most likely trade candidate among the Mariners’ pitchers. Still, Seattle would likely demand a package that includes an infielder and another starter to compensate for Castillo’s departure.
Despite recently signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to a five-year deal, the Dodgers might look to further strengthen their rotation. Castillo represents a fiscally prudent option, as he is owed $68.25 million over the next three years.
Second baseman Gavin Lux could be a potential trade chip for the Dodgers. If acquired by the Mariners, Lux might share infield duties with 2024 American League Gold Glove winner Dylan Moore, who is capable of playing both shortstop and second base.
Lux missed the entire 2023 season recovering from ACL surgery. Upon returning in 2024, he struggled early in the season but rebounded strongly in the second half, slashing .304/.390/.508 and contributing to the Dodgers’ National League West title run.
MLB Trade Rumors’ Nick Deeds remains skeptical about such a trade package’s appeal to Seattle.
“Gavin Lux might serve as a decent platoon option alongside Moore at second base,” Deeds commented. “But even pairing Lux with a young starter like Landon Knack doesn’t seem likely to persuade the Mariners to trade Castillo.”
Knack recorded a 3-5 record, a 3.65 ERA, 69 strikeouts, and a 1.10 WHIP during the regular season. However, his postseason performance was uneven, particularly in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series, where he surrendered five of the Mets’ seven runs while pitching out of the bullpen.
While Lux and Knack had strong seasons overall, their inclusion in a trade package appears insufficient to meet Seattle’s high asking price for Castillo. As a result, Deeds considers the Dodgers long shots in the pursuit of the Mariners’ ace.
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