Gerrit Cole is out for the season, Luis Gil will miss time, and the New York Yankees are likely to face more injuries throughout the year. While it’s a tough situation, injuries are becoming more common in baseball.
The smart move for the Yankees would be to trade for another starting pitcher. Despite claims of not having much to spend, they have the prospects and financial flexibility to make a move.
If they’re open to taking on salary, Luis Castillo could be the ideal addition. He’s under a five-year, $108 million deal that runs through 2027, with a vesting option for 2028.
Zach Pressnell of Newsweek proposed a potential deal, suggesting the Yankees move a few major league-ready prospects for the Mariners’ ace.
“With major questions surrounding Gil and Cole, the Yankees could look to make a big trade to bring in a top starting pitcher. Seattle’s Luis Castillo could be a great fit. The Yankees were interested in Castillo when the Reds were shopping him a few years ago, but he ended up in Seattle,” Pressnell wrote.
In exchange for Castillo, the Yankees would likely need to part with top prospects such as Spencer Jones, Everson Pereira, or Jorbit Vivas, along with possibly a few others. It would be a steep price, but one the Yankees may want to consider.
Castillo Named a Top Target
Castillo was expected to be on the move over the winter. Although the Yankees or other teams didn’t meet Seattle’s asking price at the time, Castillo remains on the roster.
The right-hander is on a favorable contract, and the Mariners have been known to shed salary when possible. With the right prospects, the Yankees could potentially make a deal happen, and Castillo’s contract could be an appealing factor.
Luis Castillo
Jack Murray of Bleacher Report also named Castillo one of the Yankees’ top targets. Despite the Mariners’ reluctance to trade him, a strong offer could convince them to move him. Castillo posted an 11-12 record with a 3.64 ERA in 2024, and at 32 years old, he could be a fixture in the Yankees’ rotation for several more seasons.
Will the Mariners Trade Castillo?
A trade involving Castillo isn’t out of the question. The Mariners were open to it earlier in the offseason but might feel more confident about competing in the American League West now. They have a deep rotation, and if the right offer comes along, they might be willing to deal Castillo to fill another need.
However, according to Adam Jude of the Seattle Times, a trade for Castillo now seems less likely than it did earlier in the offseason. “The Mariners will continue to evaluate the market for potential roster upgrades, but trading their highest-paid player, Luis Castillo, is less likely now than it was at the start of the winter,” Jude reported.
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