The Seattle Mariners have not yet discovered a remedy for any of their issues. Issues with payroll have persistently limited their choices, and objectives keep disappearing rapidly. Ryan Divish from the Seattle Times reports that the Mariners are accepting the likelihood of addressing just one of their issues. They always understood it would be challenging to manage with the meager budget provided by owner John Stanton. One option they are considering is trading star pitcher Luis Castillo.
Mariners, Orioles In Discussions About Luis Castillo Trade
It’s evident that the Mariners have grown more receptive to the idea of trading Castillo during this offseason. Facing a significant lack of funds, the Mariners can find a way to relieve the $24 million that the 32-year-old will earn next season. Castillo signed a $108 million extension for five years soon after being traded to Seattle in 2022. He is also being compensated well, set to make $72.5 million in the upcoming three seasons, plus a $25 million option for 2028. All of this includes a complete no-trade clause that Castillo would need to forfeit. That does not ensure anything considering his achievements in Seattle.
Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic has reported on Seattle’s reluctance to trade Castillo, pointing out that they were concerned about not having replacements for their pitching staff. Swinging a trade mainly for bats would create additional gaps to address.
Seattle Connecting with Various Teams
Jon Morosi from MLB Network discussed the almost-trade involving the Boston Red Sox and Seattle. The Mariners have expressed ongoing interest in first baseman Triston Casas. The deal would have involved sending Casas and Masataka Yoshida to Seattle. The Mariners hesitated to complete the trade because of insufficient funds, as only about $6 million was available by bringing in Yoshida.
Morosi then noted that discussions between the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle were intensifying. Baltimore has turned into nearly the complete opposite of Seattle. In their reconstruction, Baltimore emphasized youthful, offensive achievement, while Seattle concentrated mainly on pitching. This virtually guarantees an agreement between the two. The Orioles possess a wealth of young hitters they might trade for Castillo.
Jordan Westburg would serve as a perfect option for a trade, as Gunnar Henderson is set to assume shortstop, and Jackson Holliday is projected to occupy second base by 2025. Another option for the Mariners might be Ryan Mountcastle, who would address one of Seattle’s numerous gaps at first base.
Morosi noted that it is unclear if Baltimore is ready to accept Castillo’s contract following the signings of Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano. Although the preliminary indications are promising, we must wait and observe what unfolds.
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