The New York Mets face several gaps in their starting rotation heading into the offseason. While team president David Stearns could turn to free agency to bolster the pitching staff, exploring the trade market is another compelling option. One potential target: Seattle Mariners ace Luis Castillo.
The Mets’ rotation played a pivotal role in their near miss at the 2024 World Series, falling just two wins short. However, with key pitchers like Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana now free agents, Stearns has publicly emphasized the need to acquire multiple starters for the 2025 season.
Castillo brings an impressive résumé and a manageable salary. The right-hander has made at least 25 starts in every full season since 2018, including five campaigns with 30 or more starts. Over that span, he has compiled a 70-69 record with a 3.59 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 1,233 strikeouts across 1,140 2/3 innings.
The soon-to-be 32-year-old is under contract through 2027, following a five-year, $108 million extension with Seattle. He’s set to earn $24.15 million annually from 2025 to 2027, with a $25 million vesting option for 2028. If the Mariners are looking to shed payroll, the Mets could explore acquiring Castillo.
FanSided’s Damien Flores proposed a hypothetical trade scenario:
- Mets receive: RHP Luis Castillo
- Mariners receive: INF Ronny Mauricio, INF Luisangel Acuña, RHP Nolan McLean
This deal would cost the Mets a significant amount of high-level talent. MLB.com ranks Mauricio (6th), Acuña (12th), and McLean (9th) among the Mets’ top 15 prospects. In return, New York would secure a reliable ace for several years with a relatively low financial commitment. Seattle, meanwhile, would gain MLB-ready offensive reinforcements in Mauricio (recovering from an ACL injury) and Acuña.
While this exact trade may not materialize, Castillo is an enticing option if Seattle decides to make him available, and it’s a situation worth keeping an eye on.
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