Luis Castillo DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Seattle Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo (hamstring) was seen throwing a bullpen session at spring training on Monday. Castillo should be full-go in spring training this year despite ending the 2024 season on the injured list due to a Grade 2 left-hamstring strain, which was suffered on Sept. 8. The 32-year-old veteran hurler was mentioned in offseason trade rumors as the Mariners searched for more offense, but he's still around and should open the 2025 season at the top of the starting rotation. In his second full season in Seattle in 2024, the three-time All-Star went 11-12 with a 3.64 ERA (3.91 FIP), 1.17 WHIP and 175:47 K:BB in 175 1/3 innings over his 30 starts. Castillo is still a decent No. 2/3 fantasy starter, but his decline in strikeout rate and decline in his signature changeup are a bit worrying. The days of Castillo being considered a fantasy ace are over.

According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles have had trade discussions around starting pitcher Luis Castillo. Morosi noted that both teams have had discussions over the recent days and a potential trade would work since the Orioles would be able to take on a majority of Castillo's contract. In addition, the Mariners have been shopping Castillo throughout the offseason in hopes to move his contract to either acquire a top prospect or open up salary to sign one of the current free agents. Morosi noted that a top prospect would likely go back to Seattle in this deal which could allow them to target one of the top remaining free agents such as Pete Alonso. The Mariners have a lot depth at starting pitcher and could move Castillo to either continue to bolster their deep pipeline or use that money to sign a top bat. Alonso would be a great fit especially as the Mariners do not have a high-upside option at first base. In the deal, Baltimore may have to part ways with one their top prospects such as Heston Kjerstad or Coby Mayo. Both have had struggles finding consistent playing time in a deep Baltimore lineup and would benefit well in a full-time role in Seattle. Castillo would be a much-needed addition for Baltimore as they recently lost Corbin Burnes in free agency to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, The Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Mets are among the teams inquiring about Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Luis Castillo. Rosenthal noted that while the Mariners are not actively searching for a trade partner, they would be eager to do business to improve other aspects of their roster. With their rotation being their strong suit, moving Castillo could bring an impact bat into the Seattle lineup. In addition, Rosenthal noted that if Castillo were to be traded, this could open up some salary for the Mariners to target free agent first baseman Christian Walker, who has been connected to Seattle throughout the offseason. While Castillo's ratios took a slight step down last season, the 32-year-old remains a high-volume starting pitcher who has logged at least 150 innings over the past three seasons and over 175 in the past two.