Three-time All-Star starting pitcher Luis Castillo may be available for trade this offseason. But, the Dodgers are not considered top contenders for the Dominican pitcher.
The Seattle Mariners are in desperate need of infield pieces. To combat the lack of support in the infield, Seattle may consider trading pitchers in their rotation, which is arguably the best in the Major Leagues. The Mariners have five consistent starters, including four younger pitchers and eight-season veteran Castillo.
Castillo is considered to be the main pitcher the Mariners would consider trading. However, Seattle would likely require teams to offer an infielder and starter to fill the void left by Castillo
Although the Dodgers signed two-time Cy Young pitcher Blake Snell to a five-year contract, the franchise may still consider adding to their rotation. Castillo would be a smart financial decision because he is only owed $68.25 million over the next three years.
The Dodgers have second baseman Gavin Lux to offer as an infielder. He would likely split time with the Mariners’ 2024 American League Gold Glove winner Dylan Moore, who can play both shortstop and second base.
Lux missed the entire 2023 season as he recovered from ACL surgery. After returning in 2024, Lux struggled at the plate at the beginning of the season. But, by the second half of the season, the Wisconsin native slashed .304/.390/.508 to help the Dodgers clinch the National League West title.
MLB Trade Rumors’ Nick Deeds isn’t sure that would be enough, though.
“Perhaps Gavin Lux could be a serviceable platoon partner for Moore at second base, but even adding a young starter such as Landon Knack alongside Lux seems unlikely to entice the Mariners to part ways with Castillo,” Deeds wrote.
In the regular season, Knack held a 3-5 record while logging a 3.65 ERA, 69 strikeouts, and 1.10 WHIP. Through the Dodgers’ World Series run, Knack pitched in the bullpen. But, he struggled in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series, allowing five of the New York Mets’ seven runs.
Although Lux and Knack were overall strong players for the Dodgers this season, it seems unlikely that they would be enough for the Mariners to give up Castillo. Thus, Deeds considers them a long shot in the sweepstakes.
