The Cubs are among the teams that have spoken to the Mariners about the matter Luis CastilloTrade availability, according to Ryan Divish and Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. It’s unclear how deep Chicago’s interest is or whether it still exists now that the Cubs have struck a blockbuster trade Kyle Tucker From the Astros. Castillo also has a no-trade clause in his contract, so he can completely veto everything if he has no interest in going to Chicago.
However, since it’s known that the Cubs are looking for pitching, it makes sense that they would at least check out the trade candidates that appear to be increasingly available. Rumors have been swirling in recent days regarding Castillo’s availability, and while Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has publicly downplayed the idea of a trade in Seattle’s rotation, it’s thought Castillo could be the starter. The most likely to play among the five players. At 32, Castillo is at least five years older than anyone else. George Bryant, Logan Gilbert, Brian Wuor Bryce Millerand much more expensive – Castillo is owed $68.25MM in guaranteed money from 2025-27, plus a $25MM vesting option in 2028 that is guaranteed based on health and innings thresholds.
This salary is probably the main reason why the M’s are willing to trade Castillo, as the club’s salary parameters are known to be quite limited. Devish and Jude noted that the Mariners are believed to have about $15MM in spending room, for a team that needs to address multiple issues on offense if Castillo’s contract is off the books. or other trading options will be greatly increased. Freeing up some funds may allow M to pursue more fully Christian WalkerDivish and Jude wrote that the Mariners have had him as their top pick since the start of the offseason.
A trade for Castillo to Wrigleyville would also logically bring at least one bat back in Seattle’s direction. M’s have been linked to Cubs second baseman Nico Hornerso a swap involving the two of them (if not necessarily one-on-one) would satisfy both teams’ needs. Horner is owed $23.5MM for the upcoming season, so if Chicago absorbs Castillo’s entire contract, that would mean some salary offset.
On the other hand, sending Isaac Paredes Tucker’s trade to Houston already deprives the Cubs of a starting infielder, so Chicago may be reluctant to trade Hoerner now. best prospect Matt Shaw Considered the most likely candidate to succeed Paredes at third base, though James Triandos is another highly touted youngster who may be ready for the majors at second base , but entrusting two infield jobs to rookies is a risk for the Cubs.
Get Castillo Cody Bellinger or Seiya Suzuki It would be better for Chicago to trade for outfield depth, but the Mariners already have that Julio Rodriguez, Randy Arozarenaand Victor Robles Work is scheduled to begin. M Yes Luke Reilly at least part-time at first base, and Mickey Hanig DH also penciled in. That being said, with the Mariners’ need for hitting so widespread, Dipoto certainly wouldn’t rule out targeting a big outfield bat and then getting creative and either slotting that bat into the lineup or trying to add Reilly or Haney Giving the infield land to either Reilly or Hanig helps Seattle have a clearer idea of need.
Install Castillo side by side Shota Imaga, Justin Steele, Jameson Tyroneas well as the newly signed Matthew Boyd Suddenly, the Cubs will have one of the most intriguing rotations in baseball. There will also be more pitching on hand as the acquisition of Castillo will make him a fifth starting candidate Javier Assad, Ben Brown, Jordan Weeksor top prospects Cade Horton Enter Deep Arms. Presumably, one of these young depth pieces could also be sent to Seattle in the hypothetical Castillo trade, giving the Mariners a ready replacement to fill a new hole in the rotation.
