It’s no surprise that the New York Yankees are considering adding another pitcher before the trade deadline.
If the Yankees feel they need an ace-caliber starter, expect them to make a move before then. Trading sooner would give them the chance to evaluate their needs heading into the All-Star break, something the front office should take into account.
There are several pitchers available for the Yankees to pursue. One option could be Luis Castillo of the Seattle Mariners, a team that is often looking to shed salary.
During a Bleacher Report live stream, Tyler Ward suggested a trade sending Castillo to the Yankees in exchange for a package that includes Spencer Jones.
The Yankees, without Gerrit Cole and several other key pitchers who have been sidelined by injuries this season, would strengthen their rotation by adding Castillo. Pairing him with Max Fried and Carlos Rodon would give them a solid 1-2-3 punch—much stronger than what was expected when Gerrit went down with his inevitable Tommy John surgery,” Ward said.
“For the Mariners, this trade would bring them a solid return, including a key bat like Spencer Jones,” he added.
Castillo is aware that he may be traded. He has been frequently mentioned in trade rumors in recent months.
The Yankees, along with other teams interested in him, are well aware of this situation.
However, as long as the Seattle Mariners haven’t made a final decision about trading him, Castillo remains in Seattle and has control over his future. The right-hander, who has a 3.00 ERA early this season, holds a no-trade clause.
If Castillo doesn’t want to be traded, he can block any potential deal and stay with the Mariners, making it challenging for the Yankees if they pursue him.
“I didn’t really have a big reaction. I still have my no-trade clause in the contract. But if the team comes to me with a proposal, who knows what might happen? It’s not the first time my name has been linked to something like this,” Castillo said, per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. “It’s nice because you get to spend time with one team and build that family. I’ve been here for three years and created that family. So, having the [no-trade clause] to control my future helps a lot.”
Would trading Spencer Jones be a wise decision?
If the Yankees move on from Jones, it could signal that they no longer see him as a significant part of their future.
However, Castillo is talented enough to justify a trade, even if Jones manages to turn things around in the minors. Jones struggled badly in Double-A during the 2024 season, striking out an alarming 200 times.
A year ago, the Yankees considered Jones untouchable, but their perspective has clearly shifted since then.
The Yankees have often faced the problem of holding on to prospects for too long. While Jones still has potential, if a trade for someone like Castillo is on the table, it could be a win for the team.
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