Mariners ace Luis Castillo reportedly getting interest from Twins

While the Seattle Mariners are apparently now less likely to trade Luis Castillo, it doesn’t mean the possibility is entirely off the table.

Among all the storylines involving the Seattle Mariners this offseason, we would pick their need for a quality infield bat or two, and only having around $15 million of spare payroll, as among the most prominent. Another one would be the organization genuinely considering the possibility of trading Luis Castillo, with this scenario actually being as a direct result of the two other aforementioned storylines.

In an ideal world the Mariners would keep hold of Castillo as part of arguably the best rotation in the Majors, but this is not an ideal world. In fairness though, if you are in a position where you almost ‘have’ to move one of your starters, it makes most sense to trade the one who is the oldest, most expensive, and least productive (at least based on last season).

Mariners have apparently changed their mind

Fortunately for Mariners fans though, it now seems that getting rid of the three-time MLB All-Star is no longer as likely, at least according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. Jude writes:

“The Mariners will continue to monitor the market for potential roster upgrades, but trading veteran right-hander Luis Castillo — their highest-paid player — is less likely now than it was early in the winter, according to multiple major-league sources with direct knowledge of the club’s plans.”

Twins have been in contact about Luis Castillo

As much as this is good news in theory, the way Jude words it means that there is still some chance Castillo could be moved. In this respect, it’s worth noting there is still interest in the 32-year-old, although how much is another matter altogether.

According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic (subscription required), the Minnesota Twins have inquired with the Mariners about Castillo. However, there also appears to be a significant obstacle to getting any traction with a potential trade for the Dominican Republic native.

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Hayes explains that the Twins are just not in a position to take on Castillo’s remaining three years and $68 million+ which he is owed. (There is also a possible vesting option worth $25 million in 2028.) The Mariners would have to agree to retain some of his salary to help facilitate a move, which just isn’t going to happen.

Now yes, there could still be another club which also shows (more) interest in Castillo sometime between now and the beginning of the 2025 Major League season. However, it is our belief that he’s going to remain in Seattle — at least for now — which is for the best as the Mariners will again rely heavily on their starting rotation to contend this year.

Where do you stand on Castillo? Would you prefer to see him stay, or would you be open to the idea of moving him if it meant a quality infield bat in return? Let us know in the comments section below.