Luis Castillo DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Seattle Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo was finally able to beat the Detroit Tigers for the first time in his career on Wednesday in the team's 3-2 win at T-Mobile Park while also picking up his first win of the 2025 campaign. The 32-year-old veteran allowed two earned runs on five hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out five in seven innings of work. One of the two runs he allowed on the day came on a solo home run to infielder Trey Sweeney. Castillo lost his first outing of the year against the division-rival A's last week, but he gave up just two runs while striking out four in five innings. While he displayed a drop in strikeout rate in 2024 and may no longer be a fantasy ace, his first two outings of 2025 remind us that he's still fantasy relevant in all formats. Castillo is lined up to make his third start of the year next week against the Houston Astros.

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.