The Baltimore Orioles are quickly running out of time to strengthen their rotation. With Corbin Burnes signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the pool of elite starting pitchers on the market is shrinking. Trading for an ace now seems like the Orioles’ best option.
Despite recent graduations from their farm system, including players like Heston Kjerstad and Jackson Holliday, the Orioles still have assets they could leverage in a trade. One possibility is a deal with the Seattle Mariners for Luis Castillo. A three-time All-Star, Castillo has been a consistent presence in trade rumors this offseason. He’s proven himself as a reliable ace, delivering back-to-back seasons with at least 30 starts and anchoring the top of the rotation.
Here’s a potential trade scenario:
Baltimore Orioles Acquire: SP Luis Castillo
Seattle Mariners Acquire: OF Dylan Beavers (Orioles No. 6 prospect), OF Jud Fabian (Orioles No. 10 prospect), and RHP Patrick Reilly (Orioles No. 13 prospect).
While giving up three top-15 prospects might feel like a significant cost, Castillo offers three years of team control, with a vesting option for 2028, potentially securing him for four seasons to bolster Baltimore’s contention window.
For the Mariners, the trade would provide key offensive prospects to address their lineup needs for 2025 and beyond. While Mariners GM Justin Hollander may hesitate to part with Castillo, this move could help Seattle achieve a more balanced roster by reallocating resources.
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