The New York Mets have multiple holes to fill in their rotation this winter. They've been linked to several free-agent hurlers, with Corbin Burnes at the top of their wish list. The trade market is another way for president of baseball operations David Stearns to rebuild his starting staff. Could they make a deal with the Seattle Mariners for three-time All-Star Luis Castillo?
The right-handed ace will be entering his third season of a five-year, $108 million deal in 2025. He'll earn $24.15 million in each of the next three years. There's also a $25 million vesting option for 2028 if he tosses 180-plus innings the year prior, per Spotrac.
Castillo has made 30-plus starts for the Mariners in 2023 and 2024. He's posted a 25-21 record with a 3.48 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 394 strikeouts in 372 1/3 innings during that time. The 31-year-old is a solid option for New York's rotation because of his production and durability. He's made at least 30 starts five times since 2018 and has eclipsed the 170-inning plateau four times.
What might the Mariners want in a hypothetical deal that would rid themselves of their highest-paid pitcher? Tim Boyle of FanSided's Rising Apple posits that maybe utility man Jeff McNeil and a prospect or two could get something done.
Seattle's pitching was among baseball's best in 2024, but the offense was among the worst. Nobody struck out more often than them (1,625 whiffs) and second base was particularly a black hole. Mariners' second basemen combined to produce a .658 OPS, ranking 21st in the league.
McNeil hasn't come close to replicating his 2022 All-Star form when he won a batting title. He's slashed .257/.323/.381 since the start of 2023 (1,120 plate appearances). However, his bat showed signs of life in the second half before being placed on the injured list. McNeil hit .289/.376/.547 in 149 plate appearances following the All-Star break. Plus, he doesn't strike out much and can play multiple positions.
It's an interesting idea, which would see the Mets get out from the rest of McNeil's $50 million contract while also filling a rotation spot in an affordable manner.
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