The New York Yankees are dealing with a pair of significant pitching injuries, as Gerit Cole is out for the season and Luis Gil will miss a period of time. Given the unpredictability of pitching injuries, it’s likely the team will face another setback in this area throughout the year. To address this vulnerability, trading for another starter is a wise and proactive move.
One potential target for the Yankees is Luis Castillo, the ace right-hander of the Seattle Mariners. Castillo, 32, is under contract until 2027, with a vesting option for 2028, making him an attractive addition for a team seeking stability in its rotation. In 2024, Castillo had an impressive campaign, posting an 11-12 record and 3.64 ERA.
To acquire Castillo, the Yankees would likely need to part with a few of their promising prospects. Names like Spencer Jones, Everson Pereira, or Jorbit Vivas have been mentioned as potential trade chips. While relinquishing talented young players is never easy, the addition of a proven starter like Castillo could be a game-changer for the Yankees.
Castillo was reportedly available for trade during the winter, but the Mariners’ asking price was too steep for the Yankees or any other interested teams. However, with the Yankees’ pitching injuries piling up, revisiting a potential trade for Castillo makes sense. The Mariners, always looking to shed salary, might be willing to listen to offers if the Yankees are willing to take on Castillo’s contract.
According to Jack Murray of Bleacher Report, Castillo is one of the Yankees’ “top” targets. Murray notes that while the Mariners may be hesitant to trade Castillo, a strong offer could change their minds. With Castillo under contract for several more years, he could be a valuable addition to the Yankees’ rotation for the foreseeable future.
However, it’s worth noting that the likelihood of a trade for Castillo may have decreased since the beginning of the offseason. According to Adam Jude of the Seattle Times, the Mariners are less inclined to trade Castillo now than they were earlier in the winter. The team will continue to monitor the market for potential roster upgrades, but dealing their highest-paid player is no longer a priority.
