Speculation is growing around the Boston Red Sox potentially finalizing a trade for Seattle Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo. A prominent MLB insider recently suggested a trade scenario that could result in a “win-win” for both teams.
Entering the offseason, the Red Sox were under clear orders from ownership to upgrade the roster at all costs, following three consecutive seasons with a .500 or worse record. This urgency led to a major pursuit of top free agent Juan Soto.
Despite their efforts, Boston fell well short of beating the New York Mets in the race for Soto. However, the Red Sox rebounded quickly, making a blockbuster trade for All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet, the best player available on the trade market.
The Red Sox have been connected to several other notable players recently, but the most intriguing rumor involves a potential deal for Mariners ace Luis Castillo. MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand fueled the speculation on Monday, stating, “The Red Sox would seem like a strong match with the Mariners.”
But what might the Mariners receive in return for one of the league’s top pitchers? That question was partially answered on Tuesday.
Luis Castillo’s 2024 stats: 11-12 record, 3.64 ERA, 1.169 WHIP, 175 strikeouts, 175.1 innings pitched.
Boston Red Sox would have to fork over a pair of top infield prospects in a Luis Castillo trade?
“The Mariners should hold onto their young starters but consider trading Luis Castillo,” Jim Bowden of The Athletic wrote on Tuesday. “This move would reduce their future financial commitments and potentially help them add more bats to their lineup.”
For the Red Sox, if their efforts to sign free-agent ace Corbin Burnes fall through, Bowden suggests they could pivot by signing Alex Bregman to play third base, which would push Rafael Devers to first base.
“This would allow them to trade [Triston] Casas and a corner infield prospect like Blaze Jordan for Castillo, further strengthening their rotation,” Bowden added. “Casas, 24, projects as a 25-30 home run hitter and isn’t arbitration-eligible until 2026. Jordan, who turns 22 this week, was a third-round pick in 2020 and posted a .261/.305/.388 slash line with seven homers and 22 doubles at Double-A last season. It’s a deal that could benefit both organizations.”
Luis Castillo’s contract: Five years, $108 million
While both teams may be reluctant to part with key players like Castillo or Casas, such a trade would address significant needs for each franchise: improved pitching for the Red Sox and additional offensive firepower for the Mariners.
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