After a deep postseason run to Game 6 of the AL Championship Series, the New York Mets are pushing to upgrade their roster. While much of the attention has been on their pursuit of Juan Soto, the team has other pressing needs—particularly in the starting rotation.
With Frankie Montas already filling one of three potential vacancies in the rotation, the Mets are exploring additional options to round out their starting five. ESPN senior writer David Schoenfield has suggested the Mets consider a trade for three-time All-Star right-hander Luis Castillo of the Seattle Mariners.
“They could go to the high-rent district and sign Corbin Burnes or Max Fried,” Schoenfield writes, “but maybe a trade makes more sense. Castillo, with three years of team control, is a safer bet than signing a player to a huge long-term deal.”
What Would It Take to Land Castillo?
Schoenfield speculates that the Mariners might entertain a deal centered around Brett Baty, the Mets’ young third baseman who currently lacks a clear role on the team. Additional prospects could also be part of the package to secure Castillo.
The 30-year-old pitcher signed a five-year, $108 million contract with Seattle before the 2023 season. He is guaranteed $24.15 million annually through 2027, with an option for 2028 that vests if he pitches at least 180 innings in 2027—a mark he’s hit three times in his career.
Castillo’s contract, tied for the 14th largest among MLB starters, offers solid value compared to free agents like Nathan Eovaldi and Max Fried. Both are projected to command higher annual salaries despite Castillo’s superior track record and durability.
Why Castillo Fits the Mets
Castillo’s consistent performance, including a 3.64 ERA in 2023, makes him a more reliable option than many free-agent alternatives. His contract is also more team-friendly compared to deals expected for pitchers like Jack Flaherty or Max Fried, whose long-term demands could exceed Castillo’s remaining terms.
A Mets rotation featuring Castillo alongside Kodai Senga and David Peterson would be formidable. The team could further bolster their staff by re-signing Sean Manaea or adding another veteran like Luis Severino. Such moves would position the Mets as one of the top pitching rotations in the National League, complementing their efforts to upgrade offensively.
While Soto remains the headline target, Castillo’s addition could be the kind of “sensible” deal that solidifies the Mets as serious contenders in 2024.
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